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Sikder S, Pierce D, Sarkar ER, McHugh C, Quinlan KGR, Giacomin P, Loukas A. Regulation of host metabolic health by parasitic helminths. Trends Parasitol 2024; 40:386-400. [PMID: 38609741 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2024.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2024] [Revised: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024]
Abstract
Obesity is a worldwide pandemic and major risk factor for the development of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and type 2 diabetes (T2D). T2D requires lifelong medical support to limit complications and is defined by impaired glucose tolerance, insulin resistance (IR), and chronic low-level systemic inflammation initiating from adipose tissue. The current preventative strategies include a healthy diet, controlled physical activity, and medication targeting hyperglycemia, with underexplored underlying inflammation. Studies suggest a protective role for helminth infection in the prevention of T2D. The mechanisms may involve induction of modified type 2 and regulatory immune responses that suppress inflammation and promote insulin sensitivity. In this review, the roles of helminths in counteracting MetS, and prospects for harnessing these protective mechanisms for the development of novel anti-diabetes drugs are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suchandan Sikder
- Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, Queensland 4878, Australia.
| | - Doris Pierce
- Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, Queensland 4878, Australia
| | - Eti R Sarkar
- Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, Queensland 4878, Australia; College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Cairns, Queensland 4878, Australia
| | - Connor McHugh
- Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, Queensland 4878, Australia; College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Cairns, Queensland 4878, Australia
| | - Kate G R Quinlan
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, 2052, Australia
| | - Paul Giacomin
- Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, Queensland 4878, Australia; Macrobiome Therapeutics Pty Ltd, Cairns, Queensland 4878, Australia
| | - Alex Loukas
- Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, Queensland 4878, Australia; Macrobiome Therapeutics Pty Ltd, Cairns, Queensland 4878, Australia
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Ferguson AA, Inclan-Rico JM, Lu D, Bobardt SD, Hung L, Gouil Q, Baker L, Ritchie ME, Jex AR, Schwarz EM, Rossi HL, Nair MG, Dillman AR, Herbert DR. Hookworms dynamically respond to loss of Type 2 immune pressure. PLoS Pathog 2023; 19:e1011797. [PMID: 38079450 PMCID: PMC10735188 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1011797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The impact of the host immune environment on parasite transcription and fitness is currently unknown. It is widely held that hookworm infections have an immunomodulatory impact on the host, but whether the converse is true remains unclear. Immunity against adult-stage hookworms is largely mediated by Type 2 immune responses driven by the transcription factor Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 6 (STAT6). This study investigated whether serial passage of the rodent hookworm Nippostrongylus brasiliensis in STAT6-deficient mice (STAT6 KO) caused changes in parasites over time. After adaptation to STAT6 KO hosts, N. brasiliensis increased their reproductive output, feeding capacity, energy content, and body size. Using an improved N. brasiliensis genome, we found that these physiological changes corresponded with a dramatic shift in the transcriptional landscape, including increased expression of gene pathways associated with egg production, but a decrease in genes encoding neuropeptides, proteases, SCP/TAPS proteins, and transthyretin-like proteins; the latter three categories have been repeatedly observed in hookworm excreted/secreted proteins (ESPs) implicated in immunosuppression. Although transcriptional changes started to appear in the first generation of passage in STAT6 KO hosts for both immature and mature adult stages, downregulation of the genes putatively involved in immunosuppression was only observed after multiple generations in this immunodeficient environment. When STAT6 KO-adapted N. brasiliensis were reintroduced to a naive WT host after up to 26 generations, this progressive change in host-adaptation corresponded to increased production of inflammatory cytokines by the WT host. Surprisingly, however, this single exposure of STAT6 KO-adapted N. brasiliensis to WT hosts resulted in worms that were morphologically and transcriptionally indistinguishable from WT-adapted parasites. This work uncovers remarkable plasticity in the ability of hookworms to adapt to their hosts, which may present a general feature of parasitic nematodes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annabel A. Ferguson
- University of Pennsylvania, School of Veterinary Medicine, Pathobiology Department, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Juan M. Inclan-Rico
- University of Pennsylvania, School of Veterinary Medicine, Pathobiology Department, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Dihong Lu
- University of California Riverside, Department of Nematology, Riverside, California, United States of America
| | - Sarah D. Bobardt
- University of California Riverside, School of Medicine, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Riverside, California, United States of America
| | - LiYin Hung
- University of Pennsylvania, School of Veterinary Medicine, Pathobiology Department, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Quentin Gouil
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- University of Melbourne, Department of Medical Biology, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Louise Baker
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- University of Melbourne, Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Matthew E. Ritchie
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- University of Melbourne, Department of Medical Biology, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Aaron R. Jex
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- University of Melbourne, Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Erich M. Schwarz
- University of Melbourne, Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Cornell University, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Ithaca, New York, United States of America
| | - Heather L. Rossi
- University of Pennsylvania, School of Veterinary Medicine, Pathobiology Department, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Meera G. Nair
- University of California Riverside, School of Medicine, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Riverside, California, United States of America
| | - Adler R. Dillman
- University of California Riverside, Department of Nematology, Riverside, California, United States of America
| | - De’Broski R. Herbert
- University of Pennsylvania, School of Veterinary Medicine, Pathobiology Department, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
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Li SX, Guo Y. Gut microbiome: New perspectives for type 2 diabetes prevention and treatment. World J Clin Cases 2023; 11:7508-7520. [DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.v11.i31.7508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2023] [Revised: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), which is distinguished by increased glucose levels in the bloodstream, is a metabolic disease with a rapidly increasing incidence worldwide. Nevertheless, the etiology and characteristics of the mechanism of T2DM remain unclear. Recently, abundant evidence has indicated that the intestinal microbiota is crucially involved in the initiation and progression of T2DM. The gut microbiome, the largest microecosystem, engages in material and energy metabolism in the human body. In this review, we concentrated on the correlation between the gut flora and T2DM. Meanwhile, we summarized the pathogenesis involving the intestinal flora in T2DM, as well as therapeutic approaches aimed at modulating the gut microbiota for the management of T2DM. Through the analysis presented here, we draw attention to further exploration of these research directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shu-Xiao Li
- School of Clinical Medicine, Changchun University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changchun 130000, Jilin Province, China
| | - Yan Guo
- School of Clinical Medicine, Changchun University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changchun 130000, Jilin Province, China
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Atagozli T, Elliott DE, Ince MN. Helminth Lessons in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD). Biomedicines 2023; 11:1200. [PMID: 37189818 PMCID: PMC10135676 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11041200] [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: 03/20/2023] [Revised: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Helminths are multicellular invertebrates that colonize the gut of many vertebrate animals including humans. This colonization can result in pathology, which requires treatment. It can also lead to a commensal and possibly even a symbiotic relationship where the helminth and the host benefit from each other's presence. Epidemiological data have linked helminth exposure to protection from immune disorders that include a wide range of diseases, such as allergies, autoimmune illnesses, and idiopathic inflammatory disorders of the gut, which are grouped as inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). Treatment of moderate to severe IBD involves the use of immune modulators and biologics, which can cause life-threatening complications. In this setting, their safety profile makes helminths or helminth products attractive as novel therapeutic approaches to treat IBD or other immune disorders. Helminths stimulate T helper-2 (Th2) and immune regulatory pathways, which are targeted in IBD treatment. Epidemiological explorations, basic science studies, and clinical research on helminths can lead to the development of safe, potent, and novel therapeutic approaches to prevent or treat IBD in addition to other immune disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tyler Atagozli
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA 52246, USA
| | - David E. Elliott
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA 52246, USA
- Iowa City Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Iowa City, IA 52246, USA
| | - Mirac Nedim Ince
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA 52246, USA
- Iowa City Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Iowa City, IA 52246, USA
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Liu X, Jiang Y, Ye J, Wang X. Helminth infection and helminth-derived products: A novel therapeutic option for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Front Immunol 2022; 13:999412. [PMID: 36263053 PMCID: PMC9573989 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.999412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is closely related to obesity, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome (MetS), and it has become the most common chronic liver disease. Helminths have co-evolved with humans, inducing multiple immunomodulatory mechanisms to modulate the host’s immune system. By using their immunomodulatory ability, helminths and their products exhibit protection against various autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, including obesity, diabetes, and MetS, which are closely associated with NAFLD. Here, we review the pathogenesis of NAFLD from abnormal glycolipid metabolism, inflammation, and gut dysbiosis. Correspondingly, helminths and their products can treat or relieve these NAFLD-related diseases, including obesity, diabetes, and MetS, by promoting glycolipid metabolism homeostasis, regulating inflammation, and restoring the balance of gut microbiota. Considering that a large number of clinical trials have been carried out on helminths and their products for the treatment of inflammatory diseases with promising results, the treatment of NAFLD and obesity-related diseases by helminths is also a novel direction and strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi Liu
- Department of Central Laboratory, The Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Yuyun Jiang
- Department of Central Laboratory, The Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Jixian Ye
- Department of Central Laboratory, The Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Xuefeng Wang
- Department of Central Laboratory, The Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and Institute of Digestive Diseases, The Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
- *Correspondence: Xuefeng Wang,
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Sibi JM, Mohan V, Deepa M, Babu S, Aravindhan V. Modulatory effect of filarial infection on the systemic hormone levels in subjects with metabolic syndrome (DM-LF5). Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:1011942. [PMID: 36482987 PMCID: PMC9723321 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.1011942] [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] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM Metabolic syndrome (MS) refers to a group of co-morbidities which include central obesity, hypertension, hyperglycemia and dyslipidemia. Previously, we reported that childhood lymphatic filariasis (LF) confers significant protection against type-1 and type-2 forms of diabetes, by means of immunomodulation. In the present study, we studied the effect of LF on endocrine dysfunction in MS and Non-MS patients in baseline and after 10 years of follow-up. METHODS We quantified the serum levels of pancreatic hormones (insulin and glucagon), incretins (Ghrelin, GIP and GLP-1) and adipokines (leptin, adiponectin, adipsin, visfatin, PAI-1 and resistin) by multiplex bead array system. RESULTS MS (both LF- and LF+) subjects had increased insulin levels compared to NMS (both LF- and LF+) subjects. MS-LF+ subjects had significantly increased levels of glucagon, ghrelin, GIP and GLP-1 and decreased levels of adipsin, compared to MS-LF- subjects. Interestingly this effect was short-lived and was not seen in the follow-up samples. CONCLUSION Overall, LF infection might confer limited short-term beneficial effects against MS, by means of modulating the incretin levels,either directly or indirectly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joy Manohar Sibi
- Department of Genetics, Dr. A. L. Mudaliar Post Graduate Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Madras, Chennai, India
| | - Viswanathan Mohan
- Madras Diabetes Research Foundation and Dr. Mohan’s Diabetes Specialties Centre, ICMR Center for Advanced Research on Diabetes and IDF Centre of Excellence in Diabetes Care, Chennai, India
| | - Mohan Deepa
- Madras Diabetes Research Foundation and Dr. Mohan’s Diabetes Specialties Centre, ICMR Center for Advanced Research on Diabetes and IDF Centre of Excellence in Diabetes Care, Chennai, India
| | - Subash Babu
- National Institute of Health-International Centre for Excellence in Research, National Institute for Research in Tuberculosis, Chennai, India
| | - Vivekanandhan Aravindhan
- Department of Genetics, Dr. A. L. Mudaliar Post Graduate Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Madras, Chennai, India
- *Correspondence: Vivekanandhan Aravindhan,
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