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Sharaf-El-Deen S, Soliman S, Brakat R. Evaluation of the antiparasitic and antifibrotic effects of gallic acid on experimental hepatic schistosomiasis mansoni. J Helminthol 2024; 98:e3. [PMID: 38167243 DOI: 10.1017/s0022149x23000937] [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] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Schistosomiasis afflicts approximately 120 million individuals globally. The hepatic pathology that occurs due to egg-induced granuloma and fibrosis is commonly attributed to this condition. However, there is currently no efficacious treatment available for either of these conditions.Our study aimed to investigate the potential antifibrotic and antiparasitic properties of different doses of gallic acid (GA) in experimental schistosomiasis mansoni. In addition, we investigated the outcomes of co-administering it with the standard anti-schistosomiasis treatment, praziquantel (PZQ).In experiment I, Schistosoma mansoni-infected mice were administered GA at doses of 10, 20, or 40 mg/kg. Their effectiveness was evaluated through parasitological (worm and egg loads, granuloma number and diameter), pathological (fibrosis percentage and H-score of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs)), and functional (liver enzymes) tests. In experiment II, we investigated the optimal dosage that yielded the best outcomes. This dosage was administered in conjunction with PZQ and was evaluated regarding the parasitological, pathological, functional, and immunological (fibrosis-regulating cytokines) activities.Our findings indicate that the administration of 40 mg/kg GA exhibited the highest level of effectiveness in experiment I. In experiment II, it exhibited lower antiparasitic efficacy in comparison to PZQ. However, it surpassed PZQ in other tests. It showed enhanced outcomes when combined with PZQ.In conclusion, our findings reveal that GA only slightly increased the antischistosomal activity of PZQ. However, it was linked to decreased fibrosis, particularly when administrated with PZQ. Our pilot study identifies GA as a natural antifibrotic agent, which could be administered with PZQ to mitigate the development of fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Sharaf-El-Deen
- Parasitology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Menoufia University, Shebin-el-kom, Menoufia, Egypt
| | - S Soliman
- Public Health and Community Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Menoufia University, Shebin-el-kom, Menoufia, Egypt
| | - R Brakat
- Parasitology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Menoufia University, Shebin-el-kom, Menoufia, Egypt
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El-Shorbagy AA, Shafaa MW, Salah Elbeltagy R, El-Hennamy RE, Nady S. Liposomal IL-22 ameliorates liver fibrosis through miR-let7a/STAT3 signaling in mice. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 124:111015. [PMID: 37827055 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.111015] [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: 04/06/2023] [Revised: 09/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023]
Abstract
The therapeutic effect of liposomal IL-22 versus non-liposomal IL-22 on liver fibrosis was investigated. IL-22 (5 µg/ml) was incorporated into negative charged liposomes. Schistosoma mansoni infected mice were treated with liposomal IL-22 for either 7 or 14 days before decapitation. Liver and spleen were removed and splenocytes were isolated for in vitro investigations. TNF-α, IL-17, IL-22 and IgE levels were assessed. Hepatic granulomas were counted, granuloma index and its developmental stages were calculated. Hepatic expressions of STAT3, β-catenin and let-7a miRNA were evaluated. Liposomal IL-22 size was clustered around 425.9 ± 58.0 nm with negative zeta potential (-18.8 ± 1.3 mV). After 14 days, 65.5% of IL-22 was released from liposomal IL-22 as was gradually observed in vitro. Liposomal IL-22 significantly (p < 0.05) decreased IL-17 level (-33.1%) of healthy splenocytes compared to non-liposomal IL-22. In vivo therapeutic effect of liposomal IL-22 revealed a significant (p < 0.05) decrease in hepatic granuloma index (-22.1%) and levels of TNF-α (-49.2%) and IL-17 (-57.3%), but a marked increase in IL-22 (64.2%) and IgE (196.1%) levels comparing to non-liposomal IL-22. Three developmental stages of hepatic granuloma (NE, EP, and P) were observed in liposomal and non-liposomal IL-22 groups (79.6 ± 1.7 and 81.8 ± 8.7, respectively, P < 0.05), with higher relative frequency of EP stage. Additionally, liposomal IL-22 treatment increased hepatic expression of STAT3 (21.7 fold change) and let-7a (3.6 fold change) and reduced β-catenin expression (0.6 fold change) compared to healthy mice. Conclusively, liposomal IL-22 seems more effective in the treatment of liver fibrosis resulting from S. mansoni infection than non-liposomal IL-22.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Medhat W Shafaa
- Physics Department, Faculty of Science, Helwan University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Rasha Salah Elbeltagy
- Departments of Zoology and Entomology, Faculty of Science, Helwan University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Rehab E El-Hennamy
- Departments of Zoology and Entomology, Faculty of Science, Helwan University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Soad Nady
- Departments of Zoology and Entomology, Faculty of Science, Helwan University, Cairo, Egypt.
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Li J, Zhang Y, Li H, Jiang J, Guo C, Zhou Z, Luo Y, Zhou C, Ming Y. Single-cell RNA sequencing reveals a peripheral landscape of immune cells in Schistosomiasis japonica. Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:356. [PMID: 37817226 PMCID: PMC10563327 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-05975-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Schistosomiasis, also known as bilharzia, is a devastating parasitic disease. This progressive and debilitating helminth disease is often associated with poverty and can lead to chronic poor health. Despite ongoing research, there is currently no effective vaccine for schistosomiasis, and praziquantel remains the only available treatment option. According to the progression of schistosomiasis, infections caused by schistosomes are classified into three distinct clinical phases: acute, chronic and advanced schistosomiasis. However, the underlying immune mechanism involved in the progression of schistosomiasis remains poorly understood. METHODS We employed single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) to profile the immune landscape of Schistosomiasis japonica infection based on peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from a healthy control group (n = 4), chronic schistosomiasis group (n = 4) and advanced schistosomiasis group (n = 2). RESULTS Of 89,896 cells, 24 major cell clusters were ultimately included in our analysis. Neutrophils and NK/T cells accounted for the major proportion in the chronic group and the healthy group, and monocytes dominated in the advanced group. A preliminary study showed that NKT cells were increased in patients with schistosomiasis and that CXCR2 + NKT cells were proinflammatory cells. Plasma cells also accounted for a large proportion of B cells in the advanced group. MHC molecules in monocytes were notably lower in the advanced group than in the chronic group or the healthy control group. However, monocytes in the advanced group exhibited high expression of FOLR3 and CCR2. CONCLUSIONS Overall, this study enhances our understanding of the immune mechanisms involved in schistosomiasis. It provides a transcriptional atlas of peripheral immune cells that may contribute to elimination of the disease. This preliminary study suggests that the increased presence of CCR2 + monocyte and CXCR2 + NKT cells might participate in the progression of schistosomiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junhui Li
- Transplantation Center, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, No. 138 Tongzipo Road, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China
- Engineering and Technology Research Center for Transplantation Medicine of National Health Commission, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- Transplantation Center, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, No. 138 Tongzipo Road, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China
- Engineering and Technology Research Center for Transplantation Medicine of National Health Commission, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Hao Li
- Transplantation Center, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, No. 138 Tongzipo Road, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China
- Engineering and Technology Research Center for Transplantation Medicine of National Health Commission, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Jie Jiang
- Transplantation Center, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, No. 138 Tongzipo Road, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China
- Engineering and Technology Research Center for Transplantation Medicine of National Health Commission, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Chen Guo
- Transplantation Center, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, No. 138 Tongzipo Road, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China
- Engineering and Technology Research Center for Transplantation Medicine of National Health Commission, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Zhaoqin Zhou
- Transplantation Center, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, No. 138 Tongzipo Road, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China
- Engineering and Technology Research Center for Transplantation Medicine of National Health Commission, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yulin Luo
- Transplantation Center, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, No. 138 Tongzipo Road, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China
- Engineering and Technology Research Center for Transplantation Medicine of National Health Commission, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Chen Zhou
- Transplantation Center, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, No. 138 Tongzipo Road, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China
- Engineering and Technology Research Center for Transplantation Medicine of National Health Commission, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yingzi Ming
- Transplantation Center, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, No. 138 Tongzipo Road, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China.
- Engineering and Technology Research Center for Transplantation Medicine of National Health Commission, Changsha, Hunan, China.
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Wang X, Tang Q, Bergquist R, Zhou X, Qin Z. The Cytokine Profile in Different Stages of Schistosomiasis Japonica. Pathogens 2023; 12:1201. [PMID: 37887717 PMCID: PMC10610117 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12101201] [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: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 08/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
To explore and profile the level of cytokines in the sera of patients infected with Schistosoma japonicum to explore the helper T-cell response of patients either at the chronic or advanced stage of the disease. We randomly selected 58 subjects from several areas endemic for schistosomiasis japonica in China and collected serum samples to be tested for 18 different cytokines secreted by (1) Th1/Th2 cells (GM-CSF, IFN-γ, IL-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-12p70, IL-10, IL-13, IL-18 and TNF-α) and (2) Th9/Th17/Th22/Treg cells (IL-9, IL-17A, IL-21, IL-22, IL-23 and IL-27). The Th1/Th2 cytokines in chronic patients were not significantly different from those in healthy people, while patients with advanced schistosomiasis had higher levels of IL-2, IL-23 and IL-27 and lower levels of IL-18 and IFN-γ. With respect to the Th9/Th17/Th22/Treg cell cytokines, there were higher levels of IL-23. Thus, a limited variation of the cytokine response between the three patient groups was evident, but only in those with advanced infection, while there was no difference between chronic schistosomiasis infection and healthy subjects in this respect. The cytokine expression should be followed in patients with advanced schistosomiasis who show a cytokine pattern of a weakened Th1 cell response and an increased Th17 response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi Wang
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research), NHC Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, WHO Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases, National Center for International Research on Tropical Diseases, Shanghai 200025, China; (X.W.); (Q.T.)
| | - Qi Tang
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research), NHC Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, WHO Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases, National Center for International Research on Tropical Diseases, Shanghai 200025, China; (X.W.); (Q.T.)
| | | | - Xiaorong Zhou
- Hubei Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Wuhan 430079, China;
| | - Zhiqiang Qin
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research), NHC Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, WHO Collaborating Centre for Tropical Diseases, National Center for International Research on Tropical Diseases, Shanghai 200025, China; (X.W.); (Q.T.)
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Cheng C, Wu Y, Wang X, Xue Q, Huang Y, Liao F, Wang X, Duan Q, Miao C. RNA methylations in hepatic fibrosis, a gradually emerging new treatment strategy. Cell Biosci 2023; 13:126. [PMID: 37420298 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-023-01066-8] [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: 03/04/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatic fibrosis (HF) is a pathological process caused by excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix caused by a series of causes, leading to the formation of fiber scar. RNA methylation is a newly discovered epigenetic modification that exists widely in eukaryotes and prokaryotes and plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of many diseases. RESULTS The occurrence and development of HF are regulated by many factors, including excessive deposition of extracellular matrix, activation of hepatic stellate cells, inflammation, and oxidative stress. RNA methylations of different species have become a crucial regulatory mode of transcript expression, And participate in the pathogenesis of tumors, nervous system diseases, autoimmune diseases, and other diseases. In addition, there are five common types of RNA methylation, but only m6A plays a crucial regulatory role in HF. The pathophysiological regulation of m6A on HF is achieved by the combination of the methylated transferase, demethylated enzyme, and methylated reading protein. CONCLUSIONS RNA methylated methyltransferase, demethylase, and reading protein extensively affect the pathological mechanism of HF, which may be a new therapeutic and diagnostic target, representing a new class of therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenglong Cheng
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Yajie Wu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Xin Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Qiuyun Xue
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Yurong Huang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Faxue Liao
- Department of Orthopaedics, The First Affiliated Hospital, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.
- Anhui Public Health Clinical Center, Hefei, China.
| | - Xiao Wang
- Department of Clinical Nursing, School of Nursing, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China.
| | - Qiangjun Duan
- Department of Experimental (Practical Training) Teaching Center, School of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China.
| | - Chenggui Miao
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China.
- Institute of Rheumatism, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China.
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de Lima BL, de Lima ELS, Muniz MTC, Domingues ALC, Silva PCV. Association of Tumor Necrosis Factor-α (-G308A) Polymorphism with risk of Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding from Schistosomiasis in Pernambuco. Rev Soc Bras Med Trop 2023; 56:e0654. [PMID: 36820674 PMCID: PMC9957119 DOI: 10.1590/0037-8682-0654-2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2021] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND We evaluated the association between polymorphisms in the tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) (-G308A) gene and upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) in schistosomiasis. METHODS This was a transverse study involving 294 Brazilian patients infected with Schistosoma mansoni. RESULTS The homozygous A/A genotype in TNF-α (-G308A) showed a risk association (prevalence ratio = 1.90, p = 0.008) with UGIB. There was no statistically significant difference in serum TNF-α levels between the clinical groups. CONCLUSIONS The polymorphic TNF-α (-G308A) can be a risk factor for UGIB, in addition to being a potentially predictive factor for the severity of UGIB in schistosomiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Elker Lene Santos de Lima
- Universidade de Pernambuco, Centro de Oncohematologia Pediátrica, Hospital Universitário Oswaldo Cruz, Laboratório de Biologia Molecular, Recife, PE, Brasil
| | - Maria Tereza Cartaxo Muniz
- Universidade de Pernambuco, Centro de Oncohematologia Pediátrica, Hospital Universitário Oswaldo Cruz, Laboratório de Biologia Molecular, Recife, PE, Brasil., Universidade de Pernambuco, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Recife, PE, Brasil
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Abdel Aziz N, Musaigwa F, Mosala P, Berkiks I, Brombacher F. Type 2 immunity: a two-edged sword in schistosomiasis immunopathology. Trends Immunol 2022; 43:657-673. [PMID: 35835714 DOI: 10.1016/j.it.2022.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Revised: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is the second most debilitating neglected tropical disease globally after malaria, with no available therapy to control disease-driven immunopathology. Although schistosomiasis induces a markedly heterogenous immune response, type 2 immunity is the dominating immune response following oviposition. While type 2 immunity has a crucial role in granuloma formation and host survival during the acute stage of disease, its chronic activation can result in tissue scarring, fibrosis, and organ impairment. Here, we discuss recent advances in schistosomiasis, demonstrating how different immune and non-immune cells and signaling pathways are involved in the induction, maintenance, and regulation of type 2 immunity. A better understanding of these immune responses during schistosomiasis is essential to inform the potential development of candidate therapeutic strategies that fine-tune type 2 immunity to ideally modulate schistosomiasis immunopathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nada Abdel Aziz
- Cytokines and Diseases Group, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Cape Town Component, Division of Immunology, Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Biotechnology/Biomolecular Chemistry Program, Biotechnology Department, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt; Wellcome Centre for Infectious Diseases Research in Africa, Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine (IDM), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town 7925, South Africa.
| | - Fungai Musaigwa
- Cytokines and Diseases Group, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Cape Town Component, Division of Immunology, Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Wellcome Centre for Infectious Diseases Research in Africa, Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine (IDM), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town 7925, South Africa
| | - Paballo Mosala
- Cytokines and Diseases Group, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Cape Town Component, Division of Immunology, Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Wellcome Centre for Infectious Diseases Research in Africa, Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine (IDM), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town 7925, South Africa
| | - Inssaf Berkiks
- Cytokines and Diseases Group, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Cape Town Component, Division of Immunology, Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Wellcome Centre for Infectious Diseases Research in Africa, Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine (IDM), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town 7925, South Africa
| | - Frank Brombacher
- Cytokines and Diseases Group, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Cape Town Component, Division of Immunology, Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Wellcome Centre for Infectious Diseases Research in Africa, Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine (IDM), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town 7925, South Africa.
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