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Delgadinho M, Ginete C, Santos B, de Vasconcelos JN, Arez AP, Brito M. Sickle Cell Disease and Gut Health: The Influence of Intestinal Parasites and the Microbiome on Angolan Children. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:7258. [PMID: 39000364 PMCID: PMC11242675 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25137258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2024] [Revised: 06/27/2024] [Accepted: 06/29/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Parasitic infections are a common problem in developing countries and can intensify morbidity in patients with sickle cell disease (SCD), increasing the severity of anemia and the need for transfusions. It has been demonstrated that both helminths and protozoa can affect gut microbiome composition. On the other hand, the presence of specific bacterial communities can also influence parasite establishment. Considering this, our aim was to associate the presence of intestinal parasites with the results of hematological analyses and microbiome composition evaluations in a population of Angolan children with and without SCD. A total of 113 stool samples were collected, and gut microbiome analysis was performed using 16S sequencing and real-time PCR to detect eight different intestinal parasites. In our population, more than half of children (55%) had at least one parasitic infection, and of these, 43% were co-infected. Giardia intestinalis and Ascaris lumbricoides were more frequently found in children from the rural area of Bengo. Moreover, SCD children with ascariasis exhibited higher values of leukocytes and neutrophils, whereas the total hemoglobin levels were lower. In regards to the gut microbiome, the presence of intestinal parasites lowered the prevalence of some beneficial bacteria, namely: Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, Cuneatibacter, Bacteroides uniformis, Roseburia, and Shuttleworthia. This study presents the prevalence of several intestinal parasites in a high-risk transmission area with scarce information and opens new perspectives for understanding the interaction between parasites, the microbiome, and SCD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Delgadinho
- H&TRC-Health & Technology Research Center, ESTeSL-Escola Superior de Tecnologia da Saúde, Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa, 1990-096 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Catarina Ginete
- H&TRC-Health & Technology Research Center, ESTeSL-Escola Superior de Tecnologia da Saúde, Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa, 1990-096 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Brígida Santos
- Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Angola (CISA), Caxito, Angola
- Instituto Hematológico Pediátrico, Luanda, Angola
| | | | - Ana Paula Arez
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine (GHTM), Associate Laboratory in Translation and Innovation towards Global Health, (LA-REAL), Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical (IHMT), Universidade NOVA de Lisboa (UNL), 1099-085 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Miguel Brito
- H&TRC-Health & Technology Research Center, ESTeSL-Escola Superior de Tecnologia da Saúde, Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa, 1990-096 Lisbon, Portugal
- Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Angola (CISA), Caxito, Angola
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Diez-Martin E, Hernandez-Suarez L, Muñoz-Villafranca C, Martin-Souto L, Astigarraga E, Ramirez-Garcia A, Barreda-Gómez G. Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Comprehensive Analysis of Molecular Bases, Predictive Biomarkers, Diagnostic Methods, and Therapeutic Options. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:7062. [PMID: 39000169 PMCID: PMC11241012 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25137062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2024] [Revised: 06/15/2024] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
In inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs), such as Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC), the immune system relentlessly attacks intestinal cells, causing recurrent tissue damage over the lifetime of patients. The etiology of IBD is complex and multifactorial, involving environmental, microbiota, genetic, and immunological factors that alter the molecular basis of the organism. Among these, the microbiota and immune cells play pivotal roles; the microbiota generates antigens recognized by immune cells and antibodies, while autoantibodies target and attack the intestinal membrane, exacerbating inflammation and tissue damage. Given the altered molecular framework, the analysis of multiple molecular biomarkers in patients proves exceedingly valuable for diagnosing and prognosing IBD, including markers like C reactive protein and fecal calprotectin. Upon detection and classification of patients, specific treatments are administered, ranging from conventional drugs to new biological therapies, such as antibodies to neutralize inflammatory molecules like tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and integrin. This review delves into the molecular basis and targets, biomarkers, treatment options, monitoring techniques, and, ultimately, current challenges in IBD management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eguzkiñe Diez-Martin
- Research and Development Department, IMG Pharma Biotech S.L., 48170 Zamudio, Spain
- Department of Immunology, Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), 48940 Leioa, Spain
| | - Leidi Hernandez-Suarez
- Research and Development Department, IMG Pharma Biotech S.L., 48170 Zamudio, Spain
- Department of Immunology, Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), 48940 Leioa, Spain
| | - Carmen Muñoz-Villafranca
- Department of Gastroenterology, University Hospital of Basurto, Avda Montevideo 18, 48013 Bilbao, Spain
| | - Leire Martin-Souto
- Department of Immunology, Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), 48940 Leioa, Spain
| | - Egoitz Astigarraga
- Research and Development Department, IMG Pharma Biotech S.L., 48170 Zamudio, Spain
| | - Andoni Ramirez-Garcia
- Department of Immunology, Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), 48940 Leioa, Spain
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Hunter-Barnett S, Viney M. Gut protozoa of wild rodents - a meta-analysis. Parasitology 2024:1-12. [PMID: 38714350 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182024000556] [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: 05/09/2024]
Abstract
Protozoa are well-known inhabitants of the mammalian gut and so of the gut microbiome. While there has been extensive study of a number of species of gut protozoa in laboratory animals, particularly rodents, the biology of the gut protozoa of wild rodents is much less well-known. Here we have systematically searched the published literature to describe the gut protozoa of wild rodents, in total finding records of 44 genera of protozoa infecting 228 rodent host species. We then undertook meta-analyses that estimated the overall prevalence of gut protozoa in wild rodents to be 24%, with significant variation in prevalence among some host species. We investigated how host traits may affect protozoa prevalence, finding that for some host lifestyles some protozoa differed in their prevalence. This synthesis of existing data on wild rodent gut protozoa provides a better understanding of the biology of these common gut inhabitants and suggests directions for their future study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Hunter-Barnett
- Department of Evolution, Ecology and Behaviour, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZB, UK
| | - Mark Viney
- Department of Evolution, Ecology and Behaviour, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZB, UK
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Chakraborty N. Metabolites: a converging node of host and microbe to explain meta-organism. Front Microbiol 2024; 15:1337368. [PMID: 38505556 PMCID: PMC10949987 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1337368] [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: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Meta-organisms encompassing the host and resident microbiota play a significant role in combatting diseases and responding to stress. Hence, there is growing traction to build a knowledge base about this ecosystem, particularly to characterize the bidirectional relationship between the host and microbiota. In this context, metabolomics has emerged as the major converging node of this entire ecosystem. Systematic comprehension of this resourceful omics component can elucidate the organism-specific response trajectory and the communication grid across the ecosystem embodying meta-organisms. Translating this knowledge into designing nutraceuticals and next-generation therapy are ongoing. Its major hindrance is a significant knowledge gap about the underlying mechanisms maintaining a delicate balance within this ecosystem. To bridge this knowledge gap, a holistic picture of the available information has been presented with a primary focus on the microbiota-metabolite relationship dynamics. The central theme of this article is the gut-brain axis and the participating microbial metabolites that impact cerebral functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nabarun Chakraborty
- Medical Readiness Systems Biology, CMPN, WRAIR, Silver Spring, MD, United States
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Roach J, Mital R, Haffner JJ, Colwell N, Coats R, Palacios HM, Liu Z, Godinho JLP, Ness M, Peramuna T, McCall LI. Microbiome metabolite quantification methods enabling insights into human health and disease. Methods 2024; 222:81-99. [PMID: 38185226 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymeth.2023.12.007] [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: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Many of the health-associated impacts of the microbiome are mediated by its chemical activity, producing and modifying small molecules (metabolites). Thus, microbiome metabolite quantification has a central role in efforts to elucidate and measure microbiome function. In this review, we cover general considerations when designing experiments to quantify microbiome metabolites, including sample preparation, data acquisition and data processing, since these are critical to downstream data quality. We then discuss data analysis and experimental steps to demonstrate that a given metabolite feature is of microbial origin. We further discuss techniques used to quantify common microbial metabolites, including short-chain fatty acids (SCFA), secondary bile acids (BAs), tryptophan derivatives, N-acyl amides and trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO). Lastly, we conclude with challenges and future directions for the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jarrod Roach
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Oklahoma
| | - Rohit Mital
- Department of Biology, University of Oklahoma
| | - Jacob J Haffner
- Department of Anthropology, University of Oklahoma; Laboratories of Molecular Anthropology and Microbiome Research, University of Oklahoma
| | - Nathan Colwell
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Oklahoma
| | - Randy Coats
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Oklahoma
| | - Horvey M Palacios
- Department of Anthropology, University of Oklahoma; Laboratories of Molecular Anthropology and Microbiome Research, University of Oklahoma
| | - Zongyuan Liu
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Oklahoma
| | | | - Monica Ness
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Oklahoma
| | - Thilini Peramuna
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Oklahoma
| | - Laura-Isobel McCall
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Oklahoma; Laboratories of Molecular Anthropology and Microbiome Research, University of Oklahoma; Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, San Diego State University.
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Marangi M, Boughattas S, De Nittis R, Pisanelli D, Delli Carri V, Lipsi MR, La Bella G, Serviddio G, Niglio M, Lo Caputo S, Margaglione M, Arena F. Prevalence and genetic diversity of Blastocystis sp. among autochthonous and immigrant patients in Italy. Microb Pathog 2023; 185:106377. [PMID: 37839760 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2023.106377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 10/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023]
Abstract
The prevalence of Blastocystis sp., its genetic diversity and the distribution of circulating subtypes (STs) were molecularly investigated in a cohort of autochthonous and immigrant patients with gastrointestinal symptoms hospitalized over the period February 2022-June 2023 at the Policlinico Ospedaliero-Universitario "Riuniti", Foggia, in Southern Italy. The population variables, including patient geographical origin, gender and age classes were reported. Out of the 927 investigated patients, 36 (3.9%) were positive for Blastocystis sp. A statistically significant association with African origin and age classes >18 years old was found. ST1 (allele 4), ST2 (alleles 9, 13), ST3 (alleles 34, 36) and ST4 (allele 92) were the subtypes detected with a different distribution between autochthonous and immigrant patients. Co-infections with enteric protozoa such as Giardia duodenalis and Dientamoeba fragilis, pathogenic bacteria as Clostridioides difficile, Campylobacter jejuni and Aeromonas sp. and viral infections such as Norovirus were found in 33% of cases. This is the first study of Blastocystis sp., its circulating subtypes and allele variability among patients with different geographical origin in an area of Southern Italy, in the Central Mediterranean, characterized by high immigrant pressure. These results provide baseline data to better investigate a potential interaction between Blastocystis sp. and other risk factors in patients with gastrointestinal symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianna Marangi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Viale Luigi Pinto, 71122, Foggia, Italy.
| | | | - Rosella De Nittis
- Microbiology and Virology Unit, Ospedali Riuniti, Viale Luigi Pinto, 71122, Foggia, Italy.
| | - Daniela Pisanelli
- Microbiology and Virology Unit, Ospedali Riuniti, Viale Luigi Pinto, 71122, Foggia, Italy.
| | - Valeria Delli Carri
- Microbiology and Virology Unit, Ospedali Riuniti, Viale Luigi Pinto, 71122, Foggia, Italy.
| | - Maria Rosaria Lipsi
- Microbiology and Virology Unit, Ospedali Riuniti, Viale Luigi Pinto, 71122, Foggia, Italy.
| | - Gianfranco La Bella
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Viale Luigi Pinto, 71122, Foggia, Italy; Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Puglia e della Basilicata, Via Manfredonia 20, Foggia, Italy.
| | - Gaetano Serviddio
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, Viale Luigi Pinto, 71122, Foggia, Italy.
| | - Mariangela Niglio
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Viale Luigi Pinto, 71122, Foggia, Italy.
| | - Sergio Lo Caputo
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Viale Luigi Pinto, 71122, Foggia, Italy.
| | - Maurizio Margaglione
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Viale Luigi Pinto, 71122, Foggia, Italy.
| | - Fabio Arena
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Viale Luigi Pinto, 71122, Foggia, Italy; Microbiology and Virology Unit, Ospedali Riuniti, Viale Luigi Pinto, 71122, Foggia, Italy.
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