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Miranda Júnior NRD, Santos AGAD, Pereira AV, Mariano IA, Guilherme ALF, Santana PDL, Beletini LDF, Evangelista FF, Nogueira-Melo GDA, Sant'Ana DDMG. Rosuvastatin enhances alterations caused by Toxoplasma gondii in the duodenum of mice. Tissue Cell 2023; 84:102194. [PMID: 37597359 DOI: 10.1016/j.tice.2023.102194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Revised: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/21/2023]
Abstract
Infection by Toxoplasma gondii may compromise the intestinal histoarchitecture through the tissue reaction triggered by the parasite. Thus, this study evaluated whether treatment with rosuvastatin modifies duodenal changes caused by the chronic infection induced by cysts of T. gondii. For this, female Swiss mice were distributed into infected and treated group (ITG), infected group (IG), group treated with 40 mg/kg rosuvastatin (TG) and control group (CG). After 72 days of infection, the animals were euthanized, the duodenum was collected and processed for histopathological analysis. We observed an increase in immune cell infiltration in the IG, TG and ITG groups, with injury to the Brunner glands. The infection led to a reduction in collagen fibers and mast cells. Infected and treated animals showed an increase in collagen fibers, acidic mucin-producing goblet cells, intraepithelial lymphocytes and mast cells, in addition to the reduction of muscle, neutral mucin-producing and Paneth cells. While treatment with rosuvastatin alone led to increased muscle layer, proportion of neutral mucin-producing goblet cells, Paneth cells, and reduction of collagen fibers. These findings indicate that the infection and treatment caused changes in the homeostasis of the intestinal wall and treatment with rosuvastatin potentiated most parameters indicative of inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nelson Raimundo de Miranda Júnior
- Biosciences and Physiopathology Program, State University of Maringá, Maringá, Brazil; Department of Basic Health Sciences, State University of Maringá, Maringá, Brazil
| | - Amanda Gubert Alves Dos Santos
- Biosciences and Physiopathology Program, State University of Maringá, Maringá, Brazil; Department of Basic Health Sciences, State University of Maringá, Maringá, Brazil
| | - Andréia Vieira Pereira
- Biosciences and Physiopathology Program, State University of Maringá, Maringá, Brazil; Department of Basic Health Sciences, State University of Maringá, Maringá, Brazil
| | - Isabela Alessandra Mariano
- Department of Clinical Analysis and Biomedicine, State University of Maringá, Maringá, Brazil; Department of Basic Health Sciences, State University of Maringá, Maringá, Brazil
| | - Ana Lucia Falavigna Guilherme
- Health Sciences Program, State University of Maringá, Maringá, Brazil; Department of Basic Health Sciences, State University of Maringá, Maringá, Brazil
| | - Priscilla de Laet Santana
- Health Sciences Program, State University of Maringá, Maringá, Brazil; Department of Basic Health Sciences, State University of Maringá, Maringá, Brazil
| | - Lucimara de Fátima Beletini
- Health Sciences Program, State University of Maringá, Maringá, Brazil; Department of Basic Health Sciences, State University of Maringá, Maringá, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Ferreira Evangelista
- Health Sciences Program, State University of Maringá, Maringá, Brazil; Department of Basic Health Sciences, State University of Maringá, Maringá, Brazil
| | - Gessilda de Alcantara Nogueira-Melo
- Biosciences and Physiopathology Program, State University of Maringá, Maringá, Brazil; Department of Basic Health Sciences, State University of Maringá, Maringá, Brazil
| | - Debora de Mello Gonçales Sant'Ana
- Biosciences and Physiopathology Program, State University of Maringá, Maringá, Brazil; Department of Basic Health Sciences, State University of Maringá, Maringá, Brazil.
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Moreira-Souza ACA, Nanini HF, Rangel TP, da Silva SRB, Damasceno BP, Ribeiro BE, Cascabulho CM, Thompson F, Leal C, Santana PT, Rosas SLB, de Andrade KQ, Silva CLM, Vommaro RC, de Souza HSP, Coutinho-Silva R. P2X7 Receptor Modulation of the Gut Microbiota and the Inflammasome Determines the Severity of Toxoplasma gondii-Induced Ileitis. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11020555. [PMID: 36831091 PMCID: PMC9952899 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11020555] [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: 01/19/2023] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
In mice, oral Toxoplasma gondii infection induces severe ileitis. The aim of the present study was to investigate the impact of the P2X7 receptor (P2X7) on the inflammatory response to T. gondii-induced ileitis. Cysts of the ME49 strain of T. gondii were used to induce ileitis. The infected mice were euthanized on day 8 and ileal tissue and peripheral blood were collected for histopathological and immunohistochemical analyses. Ileal contractility, inflammatory mediators, inflammasome activation, quantitative PCR analysis of gene expression, and fecal microbiota were assessed using appropriate techniques, respectively. The infected P2X7-/- mice had greater disease severity, parasitic burden, liver damage, and intestinal contractility than the infected wild-type (WT) mice. Infection increased serum IL-6 and IFN-γ and tissue caspase-1 but not NLRP3 in P2X7-/- mice compared to WT mice. Bacteroidaceae, Rikenellaceae, and Rhodospirillales increased while Muribaculaceae and Lactobacillaceae decreased in the infected WT and P2X7-/- mice. Bacteroidia and Tannerellaceae increased in the P2X7-/- mice with ileitis. By contrast, Clostridiales and Mollicutes were absent in the P2X7-/- mice but increased in the WT mice. P2X7 protects mice against T. gondii infection by activating the inflammasome and regulating the local and systemic immune responses. Specific gut bacterial populations modulated by P2X7 determine disease severity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aline Cristina Abreu Moreira-Souza
- Laboratório de Imunofisiologia, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-590, Brazil
- Departamento de Clínica Médica, Hospital Universitário Clementino Fraga Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-913, Brazil
| | - Hayandra Ferreira Nanini
- Laboratório de Imunofisiologia, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-590, Brazil
- Departamento de Clínica Médica, Hospital Universitário Clementino Fraga Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-913, Brazil
| | - Thuany Prado Rangel
- Laboratório de Imunofisiologia, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-590, Brazil
| | - Sthefani Rodrigues Batista da Silva
- Laboratório de Imunofisiologia, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-590, Brazil
| | - Beatriz Pêgo Damasceno
- Departamento de Clínica Médica, Hospital Universitário Clementino Fraga Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-913, Brazil
| | - Beatriz Elias Ribeiro
- Departamento de Clínica Médica, Hospital Universitário Clementino Fraga Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-913, Brazil
| | - Cynthia M. Cascabulho
- Laboratório de Inovações em Terapias, Ensino e Bioprodutos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro 21040-360, Brazil
| | - Fabiano Thompson
- Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-901, Brazil
| | - Camille Leal
- Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-901, Brazil
| | - Patrícia Teixeira Santana
- Departamento de Clínica Médica, Hospital Universitário Clementino Fraga Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-913, Brazil
| | - Siane Lopes Bittencourt Rosas
- Departamento de Clínica Médica, Hospital Universitário Clementino Fraga Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-913, Brazil
| | - Kívia Queiroz de Andrade
- Laboratório de Imunofisiologia, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-590, Brazil
| | - Claudia L. Martins Silva
- Laboratório de Farmacologia Bioquímica e Molecular, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil
| | - Rossiane Claudia Vommaro
- Laboratório de Ultraestrutura Celular Hertha Meyer, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-170, Brazil
- Instituto D’Or de Pesquisa e Ensino, Rio de Janeiro 22281-100, Brazil
| | - Heitor Siffert Pereira de Souza
- Departamento de Clínica Médica, Hospital Universitário Clementino Fraga Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-913, Brazil
- Instituto D’Or de Pesquisa e Ensino, Rio de Janeiro 22281-100, Brazil
- Correspondence: or (H.S.P.d.S.); (R.C.-S.); Tel.: +55-21-3938-2669 (H.S.P.d.S.); +55-21-3938-6565 (R.C.-S.)
| | - Robson Coutinho-Silva
- Laboratório de Imunofisiologia, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-590, Brazil
- Correspondence: or (H.S.P.d.S.); (R.C.-S.); Tel.: +55-21-3938-2669 (H.S.P.d.S.); +55-21-3938-6565 (R.C.-S.)
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3
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N Cavallone I, Santos SK, Oliveira KS, D Passero LF, D Laurenti M, Jesus JA, P Marinsek G, Chucri TM, Mari RB. Histological and neuronal changes in the duodenum of hamsters infected with Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum. Exp Parasitol 2022; 239:108315. [PMID: 35780863 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2022.108315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2020] [Revised: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Visceral leishmaniasis is a neglected tropical disease caused by parasites belonging to the Leishmania genus that infect macrophages in different tissues such as the spleen, liver, lymph nodes, bone marrow, and intestine. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the integrity of the intestinal tract and the nitrergic (NADPH-dp) and metabolically active (NADH-dp) myenteric neurons of the duodenum of golden hamsters infected with L. (L.) infantum. Therefore, thirty golden hamsters were divided into six groups (n = 5); three of them were infected with 2 × 107 promastigote forms of L. (L.) infantum by intraperitoneal route (Infected Group - IG) and three were inoculated with saline solution (control group - CG). After 30, 60 and 90 days post-infection (DPI) infected animals were euthanized and the liver, spleen and duodenum were collected to analyze tissue parasitism. The duodenum was processed using usual histological techniques to analyze the main changes that occurred during infection and histochemical techniques to phenotype myenteric neurons. Amastigote forms were observed in the spleen, liver, and duodenum during all experimental periods, and tissue parasitism in these organs increased significantly over time. At 30 DPI, reduction in muscle tunic, increase in the total intestinal wall and the number of goblet cells PAS+ was observed. At 60 DPI, an increase in intestinal crypts and intraepithelial lymphocytes was observed, and a reduction in intestinal villi was observed at 90 DPI, along with an increase in crypt size. Regarding neurons, an increase in the density of the NADPH-dp population was observed at 30 DPI, but at 60 and 90 DPI a significant reduction of this population was observed. In general, infection progression was observed to cause significant morphofunctional changes in the duodenum of infected hamsters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Italo N Cavallone
- Animal Morphophysiology Laboratory, Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), São Vicente, 11.380-97, Brazil
| | - Sarah K Santos
- Animal Morphophysiology Laboratory, Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), São Vicente, 11.380-97, Brazil
| | - Karine S Oliveira
- Animal Morphophysiology Laboratory, Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), São Vicente, 11.380-97, Brazil
| | - Luiz Felipe D Passero
- Animal Morphophysiology Laboratory, Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), São Vicente, 11.380-97, Brazil
| | - Márcia D Laurenti
- Laboratory of Pathology and Infectious Diseases, Department of Pathology, FMUSP, São Paulo, 01246903, Brazil
| | - Jéssica Adriana Jesus
- Laboratory of Pathology and Infectious Diseases, Department of Pathology, FMUSP, São Paulo, 01246903, Brazil
| | - Gabriela P Marinsek
- Animal Morphophysiology Laboratory, Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), São Vicente, 11.380-97, Brazil
| | - Thaís M Chucri
- Animal Morphophysiology Laboratory, Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), São Vicente, 11.380-97, Brazil
| | - Renata B Mari
- Animal Morphophysiology Laboratory, Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), São Vicente, 11.380-97, Brazil.
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da Silva Castro A, Angeloni MB, de Freitas Barbosa B, de Miranda RL, Teixeira SC, Guirelli PM, de Oliveira FC, José da Silva R, Franco PS, Ribeiro M, Milian ICB, de Oliveira Gomes A, Ietta F, Júnior SF, Mineo TWP, Mineo JR, de Oliveira Simões Alves CM, Ferro EAV. BEWO trophoblast cells and Toxoplasma gondii infection modulate cell death mechanisms in THP-1 monocyte cells by interference in the expression of death receptor and intracellular proteins. Tissue Cell 2021; 73:101658. [PMID: 34597888 DOI: 10.1016/j.tice.2021.101658] [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] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Revised: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Crosstalk between trophoblast and monocytes is essential for gestational success, and it can be compromised in congenital toxoplasmosis. Cell death is one of the mechanisms involved in the maintenance of pregnancy, and this study aimed to evaluate the role of trophoblast in the modulation of monocyte cell death in the presence or absence of Toxoplasma gondii infection. THP-1 cells were stimulated with supernatants of BeWo cells and then infected or not with T. gondii. The supernatants were collected and analyzed for the secretion of human Fas ligand, and cells were used to determine cell death and apoptosis, cell death receptor, and intracellular proteins expression. Cell death and apoptosis index were higher in uninfected THP-1 cells stimulated with supernatants of BeWo cells; however, apoptosis index was reduced by T. gondii infection. Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1, secreted by BeWo cells, altered the cell death and apoptosis rates in THP-1 cells. In infected THP-1 cells, the expression of Fas/CD95 and secretion of FasL was significantly higher; however, caspase 3 and phosphorylated extracellular-signal-regulated kinase (ERK1/2) were downregulated. Results suggest that soluble factors secreted by BeWo cells induce cell death and apoptosis in THP-1 cells, and Fas/CD95 can be involved in this process. On the other hand, T. gondii interferes in the mechanism of cell death and inhibits THP-1 cell apoptosis, which can be associated with active caspase 3 and phosphorylated ERK1/2. In conclusion, our results showed that human BeWo trophoblast cells and T. gondii infection modulate cell death in human THP-1 monocyte cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andressa da Silva Castro
- Laboratory of Immunophysiology of Reproduction, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
| | - Mariana Bodini Angeloni
- School of Medicine, Healthy Sciences Special Academic Unit, University of Goiás-Jataí, Jataí, GO, Brazil
| | - Bellisa de Freitas Barbosa
- Laboratory of Immunophysiology of Reproduction, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
| | - Renata Lima de Miranda
- Laboratory of Immunophysiology of Reproduction, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
| | - Samuel Cota Teixeira
- Laboratory of Immunophysiology of Reproduction, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
| | - Pâmela Mendonça Guirelli
- Laboratory of Immunophysiology of Reproduction, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Chaves de Oliveira
- Laboratory of Immunophysiology of Reproduction, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
| | - Rafaela José da Silva
- Laboratory of Immunophysiology of Reproduction, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
| | - Priscila Silva Franco
- Laboratory of Immunophysiology of Reproduction, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
| | - Mayara Ribeiro
- Laboratory of Immunophysiology of Reproduction, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
| | - Iliana Claudia Balga Milian
- Laboratory of Immunophysiology of Reproduction, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
| | - Angélica de Oliveira Gomes
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, Institute of Biological and Natural Sciences, Federal University of Triângulo Mineiro, Uberaba, MG, Brazil
| | - Francesca Ietta
- Department of Life Science, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | | | - Tiago Wilson Patriarca Mineo
- Laboratory of Immunoparasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Uberlandia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
| | - José Roberto Mineo
- Laboratory of Immunoparasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Uberlandia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
| | | | - Eloisa Amália Vieira Ferro
- Laboratory of Immunophysiology of Reproduction, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Uberlândia, MG, Brazil.
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Dos Santos AGA, da Silva MGL, Carneiro EL, de Lima LL, Fernandes ACBS, Silveira TGV, Sant'Ana DDMG, Nogueira-Melo GDA. A New Target Organ of Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis Chronic Infection: The Intestine. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 11:687499. [PMID: 34336715 PMCID: PMC8317265 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.687499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis is one of the main causes of cutaneous leishmaniasis in the Americas. This species presents genetic polymorphism that can cause destructive lesions in oral, nasal, and oropharyngeal tracts. In a previous study, the parasite caused several histopathological changes to hamster ileums. Our study evaluates immune response components, morphological changes, and effects on neurons in the ileums of hamsters infected by three different strains of L. (V.) braziliensis in two infection periods. For the experiment, we separated hamsters into four groups: a control group and three infected groups. Infected hamsters were euthanized 90- or 120-days post infection. We used three strains of L. (V.) braziliensis: the reference MHOM/BR/1975/M2903 and two strains isolated from patients who had different responses to Glucantime® treatment (MHOM/BR/2003/2314 and MHOM/BR/2000/1655). After laparotomy, ileums were collected for histological processing, biochemical analysis, and evaluation of neurons in the myenteric and submucosal plexuses of the enteric nervous system (ENS). The results demonstrated the increase of blood leukocytes after the infection. Optical microscopy analysis showed histopathological changes with inflammatory infiltrates, edemas, ganglionitis, and Leishmania amastigotes in the ileums of infected hamsters. We observed changes in the organ histoarchitecture of infected hamsters when compared to control groups, such as thicker muscular and submucosa layers, deeper and wider crypts, and taller and broader villi. The number of intraepithelial lymphocytes and TGF-β-immunoreactive cells increased in all infected groups when compared to the control groups. Mast cells increased with longer infection periods. The infection also caused remodeling of intestinal collagen and morphometry of myenteric and submucosal plexus neurons; but this effect was dependent on infection duration. Our results show that L. (V.) braziliensis infection caused time-dependent alterations in hamster ileums. This was demonstrated by the reduction of inflammatory cells and the increase of tissue regeneration factors at 120 days of infection. The infected groups demonstrated different profiles in organ histoarchitecture, migration of immune cells, and morphometry of ENS neurons. These findings suggest that the small intestine (or at least the ileum) is a target organ for L. (V.) braziliensis infection, as the infection caused changes that were dependent on duration and strain.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Erick Lincoln Carneiro
- Department of Clinical Analysis and Biomedicine, Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Maringá, Brazil
| | - Lainy Leiny de Lima
- Department of Morphological Sciences, Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Maringá, Brazil
| | | | | | - Debora de Mello Gonçales Sant'Ana
- Biosciences and Physiopathology Program, Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Maringá, Brazil.,Department of Morphological Sciences, Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Maringá, Brazil
| | - Gessilda de Alcantara Nogueira-Melo
- Biosciences and Physiopathology Program, Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Maringá, Brazil.,Department of Clinical Analysis and Biomedicine, Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Maringá, Brazil
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Machado CCA, Watanabe PDS, Mendes JDDL, Pupim ACE, Ortigoza SM, Bergoc HG, Nino BDSL, Góis MB, Garcia JL, Blackshaw LA, Sant Ana DDMG, Araújo EJDA. Toxoplasma gondii infection impairs the colonic motility of rats due to loss of myenteric neurons. Neurogastroenterol Motil 2021; 33:e13967. [PMID: 32812313 DOI: 10.1111/nmo.13967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2020] [Revised: 06/17/2020] [Accepted: 07/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Toxoplasma gondii infection causes intestinal inflammation and diarrhea indicating possible intestinal motor dysfunction. Anatomical studies have shown alterations in the colonic myenteric plexus, but it is unknown whether this impacts motility and therefore whether motility is a target for treatment. We determined whether colonic coordinated movements are compromised by toxoplasmic infection and how it is associated with anatomical changes. METHODS Male Wistar rats were evaluated at 6, 12, 24, 48, and 72 hours and 30 days postinfection (dpi) and controls. Infected rats received orally 5 × 103 sporulated oocysts of strain ME-49 (genotype II) of T gondii. The colon was collected for anatomical analysis (including the myenteric plexus immunolabeled with HuC/D, nNOS, and ChAT) and motility analysis in vitro (conventional manometry). Fecal output was measured daily. KEY RESULTS At 12 hours postinfection, T gondii caused hypertrophy of the muscularis externa layer of the distal colon. There was loss of total, nitrergic, and cholinergic myenteric neurons in the proximal colon at 30 day postinfection (dpi); however, only loss of cholinergic neurons was found in the distal colon. Contractile complexes in the middle and distal colon were longer in duration in infected animals, which was associated with slower migration of the colonic motor complex. However, gastrointestinal transit time and fecal pellet output remained unchanged during the T gondii infection. CONCLUSIONS AND INFERENCES Toxoplasma gondii caused myenteric neuronal loss in the proximal and distal colon and altered the motility pattern in the middle and distal colon to a more propulsive phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Marcelo Biondaro Góis
- State University of Maringá, Maringá, Brazil.,Federal University of Recôncavo da Bahia, Santo Antonio de Jesus, Brazil
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7
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Passos FC, Gois MB, Sousa AD, de Marinho AIL, Corvo L, Soto M, Barral-Netto M, Barral A, Baccan GC. Investigating associations between intestinal alterations and parasite load according to Bifidobacterium spp. and Lactobacillus spp. abundance in the gut microbiota of hamsters infected by Leishmania infantum. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz 2020; 115:e200377. [PMID: 33263602 PMCID: PMC7703327 DOI: 10.1590/0074-02760200377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2020] [Accepted: 11/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a tropical neglected disease with high associated rates of mortality. Several studies have highlighted the importance of the intestinal tract (IT) and gut microbiota (GM) in the host immunological defense. Data in the literature on parasite life cycle and host immune defense against VL are scarce regarding the effects of infection on the IT and GM. OBJECTIVES This study aimed to investigate changes observed in the colon of Leishmania infantum-infected hamsters, including alterations in the enteric nervous system (ENS) and GM (specifically, levels of bifidobacteria and lactobacilli). METHODS Male hamsters were inoculated with L. infantum and euthanised at four or eight months post-infection. Intestines were processed for histological analysis and GM analysis. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was performed to quantify each group of bacteria: Bifidobacterium spp. (Bf) and Lactobacillus spp (LacB). FINDINGS Infected hamsters showed histoarchitectural loss in the colon wall, with increased thickness in the submucosa and the mucosa layer, as well as greater numbers of intraepithelial lymphocytes. Forms suggestive of amastigotes were seen inside mononuclear cells. L. infantum infection induced changes in ENS, as evidenced by increases in the area of colonic enteric ganglia. Despite the absence of changes in the levels of Bf and LacB during the course of infection, the relative abundance of these bacteria was associated with parasite load and histological alterations. MAIN CONCLUSIONS Our results indicate that L. infantum infection leads to important changes in the colon and suggest that bacteria in the GM play a protective role.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabine Correia Passos
- Universidade Federal da Bahia, Instituto de Ciências da Saúde, Departamento de Bioquímica e Biofísica, Salvador, BA, Brasil
| | - Marcelo Biondaro Gois
- Universidade Federal do Recôncavo da Bahia, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Santo Antônio de Jesus, BA, Brasil
| | - Adenilma Duranes Sousa
- Universidade Federal da Bahia, Instituto de Ciências da Saúde, Departamento de Bioquímica e Biofísica, Salvador, BA, Brasil
| | - Ananda Isis Lima de Marinho
- Universidade Federal da Bahia, Instituto de Ciências da Saúde, Departamento de Bioquímica e Biofísica, Salvador, BA, Brasil
| | - Laura Corvo
- Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Facultad de Ciencias, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa, Departamento de Biología Molecular, Madrid, Spain
| | - Manoel Soto
- Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Facultad de Ciencias, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa, Departamento de Biología Molecular, Madrid, Spain
| | - Manoel Barral-Netto
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-Fiocruz, Centro de Pesquisas Gonçalo Muniz, Salvador, BA, Brasil
| | - Aldina Barral
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-Fiocruz, Centro de Pesquisas Gonçalo Muniz, Salvador, BA, Brasil
| | - Gyselle Chrystina Baccan
- Universidade Federal da Bahia, Instituto de Ciências da Saúde, Departamento de Bioquímica e Biofísica, Salvador, BA, Brasil
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8
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Giuffrè M, Moretti R, Campisciano G, da Silveira ABM, Monda VM, Comar M, Di Bella S, Antonello RM, Luzzati R, Crocè LS. You Talking to Me? Says the Enteric Nervous System (ENS) to the Microbe. How Intestinal Microbes Interact with the ENS. J Clin Med 2020; 9:E3705. [PMID: 33218203 PMCID: PMC7699249 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9113705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2020] [Revised: 11/13/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Mammalian organisms form intimate interfaces with commensal and pathogenic gut microorganisms. Increasing evidence suggests a close interaction between gut microorganisms and the enteric nervous system (ENS), as the first interface to the central nervous system. Each microorganism can exert a different effect on the ENS, including phenotypical neuronal changes or the induction of chemical transmitters that interact with ENS neurons. Some pathogenic bacteria take advantage of the ENS to create a more suitable environment for their growth or to promote the effects of their toxins. In addition, some commensal bacteria can affect the central nervous system (CNS) by locally interacting with the ENS. From the current knowledge emerges an interesting field that may shape future concepts on the pathogen-host synergic interaction. The aim of this narrative review is to report the current findings regarding the inter-relationships between bacteria, viruses, and parasites and the ENS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mauro Giuffrè
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, 34149 Trieste, Italy; (M.G.); (R.M); (R.M.A.); (R.L.); (L.S.C.)
- Italian Liver Foundation, 34129 Trieste, Italy
| | - Rita Moretti
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, 34149 Trieste, Italy; (M.G.); (R.M); (R.M.A.); (R.L.); (L.S.C.)
| | - Giuseppina Campisciano
- Department of Advanced Microbiology Diagnosis and Translational Research, Institute for Maternal and Child Health-IRCCS “Burlo Garofolo”, 34137 Trieste, Italy; (G.C.); (M.C.)
| | | | | | - Manola Comar
- Department of Advanced Microbiology Diagnosis and Translational Research, Institute for Maternal and Child Health-IRCCS “Burlo Garofolo”, 34137 Trieste, Italy; (G.C.); (M.C.)
| | - Stefano Di Bella
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, 34149 Trieste, Italy; (M.G.); (R.M); (R.M.A.); (R.L.); (L.S.C.)
| | - Roberta Maria Antonello
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, 34149 Trieste, Italy; (M.G.); (R.M); (R.M.A.); (R.L.); (L.S.C.)
| | - Roberto Luzzati
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, 34149 Trieste, Italy; (M.G.); (R.M); (R.M.A.); (R.L.); (L.S.C.)
| | - Lory Saveria Crocè
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, 34149 Trieste, Italy; (M.G.); (R.M); (R.M.A.); (R.L.); (L.S.C.)
- Italian Liver Foundation, 34129 Trieste, Italy
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Win 55,212-2, atenolol and subdiaphragmatic vagotomy prevent acceleration of gastric emptying induced by cachexia via Yoshida-AH-130 cells in rats. Eur J Pharmacol 2020; 877:173087. [PMID: 32234430 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2020.173087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2020] [Revised: 03/19/2020] [Accepted: 03/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of cachexia induced by AH-130 cells on gastrointestinal motility in rats. We evaluated food intake, body weight variation, cachexia index, gastric emptying and in vitro gastric responsiveness of control or cachexia rats. In addition, we evaluated the effect of pretreatment with atenolol (20 mg/kg, p.o.), win 55,212-2 (2 mg/kg, s.c.) or subdiaphragmatic vagotomy on the effects found. Atenolol prevented (P < 0.05) the acceleration of gastric emptying (area under the curve, AUC, 20360.17 ± 1970.9 vs. 12579.2 ± 785.4 μg/min/ml), and increased gastric responsiveness to carbachol (CCh) stimulation in cachectic rats compared to control groups (CCh-6M: 63.2 ± 5.5% vs. 46.5 ± 5.7%). Vagotomy prevented (P < 0.05) increase in gastric emptying acceleration (AUC 20360.17 ± 1970.9 vs. 13414.0 ± 1112.9 μg/min/ml) and caused greater in vitro gastric responsiveness of cachectic compared to control rats (CCh-6M: 63.2 ± 5.5% vs. 31.2 ± 4.7%). Win 55,212-2 attenuated the cachexia index (38.5 ± 2.1% vs. 25.8 ± 2.7%), as well as significantly (P < 0.05) preventing increase in gastric emptying (AUC 20360.17 ± 1970.9 vs. 10965.4 ± 1392.3 μg/min/ml) and gastric responsiveness compared to control groups (CCh-6M: 63.2 ± 5.5% vs. 38.2 ± 3.9%). Cachexia accelerated gastric emptying and increased gastric responsiveness in vitro. These phenomena were prevented by subdiaphragmatic vagotomy and by atenolol and win 55,212-2 treatments, showing vagal involvement of β1-adrenergic and cannabinoid CB1/CB2 receptors.
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10
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Gonçalves ARN, Marinsek GP, de Souza Abessa DM, de Britto Mari R. Adaptative responses of myenteric neurons of Sphoeroides testudineus to environmental pollution. Neurotoxicology 2019; 76:84-92. [PMID: 31669307 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2019.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2019] [Revised: 10/11/2019] [Accepted: 10/22/2019] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Contamination in estuarine regions affects the local biota damaging the ecosystems and reaching humans. The gastrointestinal tract is a dynamic environment capable of obtaining nutrients and energy from food while it protects the host against harmful toxins and pathogens from the external environment. These functions are modulated by the enteric nervous system and changes in its structure can result in gastrointestinal disorders. The objective of this study was to evaluate if the environmental contaminants have effects on the myenteric neuronal plasticity of pufferfish Sphoeroides testudineus. Animals were collected in Barra do Una River, located at Jureia-Itatins Mosaic of Protected Areas (reference area - RA) and in the Santos Estuarine System (impacted area - IA). Morpho-quantitative analyses of the general and metabolically active myenteric neuronal populations of the proximal and distal intestine were made. Disarrangement was observed in the general organization of the myenteric plexus, with an expressive reduction of the neuronal groups (nodes) in the animals of IA. The vulnerability of the myenteric plexus was evidenced by a decrease in density and cellular profile of the general neuronal population, followed by an increase of the metabolism of the remaining neurons, which in turn was verified by a growth of the area of the cellular and nuclear profiles of the metabolically active neuronal population. Through these analyses, we concluded that animals inhabiting polluted regions present alterations in the myenteric neuronal plasticity, as a way of maintaining the functions of the gastrointestinal tract.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gabriela Pustiglione Marinsek
- São Paulo State University - Coastal Campus, Laboratório de Morfofisiologia Animal (LABMA), Sao Vicente, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Denis Moledo de Souza Abessa
- São Paulo State University - Coastal Campus, Núcleo de Estudos em Poluição e Ecotoxcologia Aquática (NEPEA), Sao Vicente, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Renata de Britto Mari
- São Paulo State University - Coastal Campus, Laboratório de Morfofisiologia Animal (LABMA), Sao Vicente, Sao Paulo, Brazil
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11
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Pastre MJ, Casagrande L, Gois MB, Pereira-Severi LS, Miqueloto CA, Garcia JL, de Alcântara Nogueira-Melo G, de Mello Gonçales Sant'Ana D. Toxoplasma gondii causes increased ICAM-1 and serotonin expression in the jejunum of rats 12 h after infection. Biomed Pharmacother 2019; 114:108797. [PMID: 30951950 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2019.108797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2018] [Revised: 03/01/2019] [Accepted: 03/17/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To analyze the remodeling dynamics of total collagen, type I and III, the expression of ICAM-1 and 5-HT in the jejunum of rats. METHODS Twenty-eight Wistar rats were randomly assigned to two experimental groups: the control group (CG, n = 7) and the infected group (receiving 5,000 sporulated T. gondii oocysts - ME49 strain, genotype II, n = 21). Seven infected rats each at 6 (G6), 12 (G12), and 24 (G24) hours post infection were sacrificed and segments of jejunum were collected for standard histological, histochemical, and immunohistochemistry processing techniques. RESULTS The infection promoted ICAM-1 and 5-HT expression, type III collagen, and total mast cell increases. However, it also caused a reduction in the area occupied by type I collagen fibers, and in submucosa thickness, and caused ganglion and peri-ganglion alterations. CONCLUSION The structural damage caused by toxoplasmic infection is intense during the first 24 h post inoculation. At peak dissemination, from 12 to 24 h, there is an increase in ICAM-1 and 5-HT expression, with intense migration of mast cells to the site of infection. There was also a reduction in submucosa thickness, and an effective loss of extracellular matrix (ECM) organization, which included changes in the dynamics of type I and III total collagen deposition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria José Pastre
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Biociências e Fisiopatologia, Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Av. Colombo, n° 5790, CEP: 87020-900 Maringá, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Lucas Casagrande
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Biociências e Fisiopatologia, Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Av. Colombo, n° 5790, CEP: 87020-900 Maringá, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Marcelo Biondaro Gois
- Universidade Federal do Recôncavo da Bahia, Av. Carlos Amaral, Cajueiro, CEP 44574-490, Santo Antônio de Jesus, BA; and Universidade Federal da Bahia, Instituto de Ciências da Saúde, Av. Reitor Miguel Calmon, Vale do Canela, Salvador, BA, Brazil.
| | - Letícia Sarturi Pereira-Severi
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Biociências e Fisiopatologia, Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Av. Colombo, n° 5790, CEP: 87020-900 Maringá, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Carlos Alberto Miqueloto
- Departamento de Biologia Geral, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Rodovia Celso Garcia Cid, Pr 445 Km 380, CEP: 86057-970, Londrina, Paraná, Brazil
| | - João Luís Garcia
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Rodovia Celso Garcia Cid, Pr 445 Km 380, CEP: 86057-970, Londrina, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Gessilda de Alcântara Nogueira-Melo
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Biociências e Fisiopatologia, Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Av. Colombo, n° 5790, CEP: 87020-900 Maringá, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Débora de Mello Gonçales Sant'Ana
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Biociências e Fisiopatologia, Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Av. Colombo, n° 5790, CEP: 87020-900 Maringá, Paraná, Brazil
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12
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Trevizan AR, Schneider LCL, Araújo EJDA, Garcia JL, Buttow NC, Nogueira-Melo GDA, Sant'Ana DDMG. Acute Toxoplasma gondii infection alters the number of neurons and the proportion of enteric glial cells in the duodenum in Wistar rats. Neurogastroenterol Motil 2019; 31:e13523. [PMID: 30537037 DOI: 10.1111/nmo.13523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2018] [Revised: 10/16/2018] [Accepted: 11/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Toxoplasma gondii infection can occur through the ingestion of raw meat that contains tissue cysts or food that contains oocysts. Through the ingestion of oocysts, the parasite crosses the intestinal barrier, where the enteric nervous system is located. The objective was to investigate the kinetics of neuronal and glial responses during acute T. gondii infection. METHODS We used 45 Wistar rats that were divided into a control group and infected groups that were evaluated at 6, 12, 24, 48, 72 hours, 7 days, 10 days, and 15 days after infection. The rats received 5000 sporulated oocysts of the parasite orally. To detect neurons and enteric glia cells, the myenteric and submucosal plexuses of the duodenum underwent double-labeling immunohistochemical techniques to evaluate HuC/HuD and S100, HuC/HuD and ChAT, and HuC/HuD and nNOS. KEY RESULTS We observed a reduction of the total neuron population in the submucosal plexus 72 hours after infection. Cholinergic neurons decreased in the submucosal plexus 15 days after infection, and nitrergic neurons decreased in the myenteric plexus 72 hours after infection. A decrease in the number of glial cells was observed 7 days after infection in the submucosal plexus, and an increase in the enteric glial cell (EGC)/neuron ratio was found in both plexuses 48 hours after infection. CONCLUSIONS AND INFERENCES We found decrease of neurons and increase in the EGC/neuron ratio in both plexuses caused by acute T. gondii infection, with major alterations 72 hours after oral infection. The number of cholinergic neurons decreased in the submucosal plexus, and the number of nitrergic neurons decreased in the myenteric plexus. A decrease in the number of enteric glial cells was observed in the submucosal plexus, and an increase in the enteric glial cell/neuron ratio was observed in both ganglionate plexuses of the duodenum.
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13
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White JP, Xiong S, Malvin NP, Khoury-Hanold W, Heuckeroth RO, Stappenbeck TS, Diamond MS. Intestinal Dysmotility Syndromes following Systemic Infection by Flaviviruses. Cell 2018; 175:1198-1212.e12. [PMID: 30293866 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2018.08.069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2018] [Revised: 08/07/2018] [Accepted: 08/29/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Although chronic gastrointestinal dysmotility syndromes are a common worldwide health problem, underlying causes for these disorders are poorly understood. We show that flavivirus infection of enteric neurons leads to acute neuronal injury and cell death, inflammation, bowel dilation, and slowing of intestinal transit in mice. Flavivirus-primed CD8+ T cells promote these phenotypes, as their absence diminished enteric neuron injury and intestinal transit delays, and their adoptive transfer reestablished dysmotility after flavivirus infection. Remarkably, mice surviving acute flavivirus infection developed chronic gastrointestinal dysmotility that was exacerbated by immunization with an unrelated alphavirus vaccine or exposure to a non-infectious inflammatory stimulus. This model of chronic post-infectious gastrointestinal dysmotility in mice suggests that viral infections with tropism for enteric neurons and the ensuing immune response might contribute to the development of bowel motility disorders in humans. These results suggest an opportunity for unique approaches to diagnosis and therapy of gastrointestinal dysmotility syndromes.
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Affiliation(s)
- James P White
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Shanshan Xiong
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Nicole P Malvin
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | | | - Robert O Heuckeroth
- Department of Pediatrics, the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Research Institute, the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Abramson Research Center, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Thaddeus S Stappenbeck
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA.
| | - Michael S Diamond
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; The Andrew M. and Jane M. Bursky Center for Human Immunology and Immunotherapy Programs, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA.
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14
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Assemblages A and B of Giardia duodenalis reduce enteric glial cells in the small intestine in mice. Parasitol Res 2018; 117:2025-2033. [PMID: 29728828 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-018-5853-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2017] [Accepted: 03/28/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Infection of Giardia duodenalis is one of the most common human parasitic disease worldwide. This infection may be related to important changes in the enteric nervous system. The objective of this study was to evaluate the myenteric and submucosal plexuses, the intestinal muscle layer, and gastrointestinal transit in mice infected with assemblages A and B of G. duodenalis. Swiss albino mice (Mus musculus) were infected with assemblages A and B of G. duodenalis for 15 days. Gastrointestinal transit time was evaluated before euthanasia. Duodenum and jejunum were removed for histological and immunohistochemical analyses. It was observed a reduction in the enteric glial cell count and a decrease in the ratio of enteric glial cells to neurons. The number of neurons did not change, but morphological changes were observed in the duodenum and jejunum in both plexuses, including an increase in the nuclear area and a reduction of cell bodies in the myenteric plexus and a decrease in the nuclear area in the submucosal plexus. A reduction of the thickness of the muscle layer was observed in the duodenum, with no significant differences in the gastrointestinal transit times. Assemblages A and B of G. duodenalis decrease the number of enteric glial cells in the myenteric and submucosal plexuses, decrease the thickness of the muscle layer, and change the morphology of neurons. Graphical abstract ᅟ.
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15
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Schneider LCL, do Nascimento JCP, Trevizan AR, Góis MB, Borges SC, Beraldi EJ, Garcia JL, Sant'Ana DMG, Buttow NC. Toxoplasma gondii promotes changes in VIPergic submucosal neurons, mucosal intraepithelial lymphocytes, and goblet cells during acute infection in the ileum of rats. Neurogastroenterol Motil 2018; 30:e13264. [PMID: 29266818 DOI: 10.1111/nmo.13264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2017] [Accepted: 11/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The intestinal mucosa plays an important role in the mechanical barrier against pathogens. During Toxoplasma gondii infection, however, the parasites invade the epithelial cells of the small intestine and initiate a local immune response. In the submucosal plexus, this response promotes an imbalance of neurotransmitters and induces neuroplasticity, which can change the integrity of the epithelium and its secretory function. This study evaluated the submucosal neurons throughout acute T. gondii infection and the relationship between possible alterations and the epithelial and immune defense cells of the mucosa. METHODS Forty Wistar rats were randomly assigned to 8 groups (n = 5): 1 control group, uninfected, and 7 groups infected with an inoculation of 5000 sporulated T. gondii oocysts (ME-49 strain, genotype II). Segments of the ileum were collected for standard histological processing, histochemical techniques, and immunofluorescence. KEY RESULTS The infection caused progressive neuronal loss in the submucosal general population and changed the proportion of VIPergic neurons throughout the infection periods. These changes may be related to the observed reduction in goblet cells that secret sialomucins and increase in intraepithelial lymphocytes after 24 hours, and the increase in immune cells in the lamina propria after 10 days of infection. The submucosa also presented fibrogenesis, characterizing injury and tissue repair. CONCLUSIONS AND INFERENCES The acute T. gondii infection in the ileum of rats changes the proportion of VIPergic neurons and the epithelial cells, which can compromise the mucosal defense during infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- L C L Schneider
- Department of Morphological Sciences, State University of Maringá, Maringá, Paraná, Brazil
| | - J C P do Nascimento
- Department of Morphological Sciences, State University of Maringá, Maringá, Paraná, Brazil
| | - A R Trevizan
- Department of Morphological Sciences, State University of Maringá, Maringá, Paraná, Brazil
| | - M B Góis
- Department of Morphological Sciences, State University of Maringá, Maringá, Paraná, Brazil
| | - S C Borges
- Department of Morphological Sciences, State University of Maringá, Maringá, Paraná, Brazil
| | - E J Beraldi
- Department of Morphological Sciences, State University of Maringá, Maringá, Paraná, Brazil
| | - J L Garcia
- State University of Londrina, Londrina, Paraná, Brazil
| | - D M G Sant'Ana
- Department of Morphological Sciences, State University of Maringá, Maringá, Paraná, Brazil
| | - N C Buttow
- Department of Morphological Sciences, State University of Maringá, Maringá, Paraná, Brazil
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Sant’Ana DDMG, Gois MB, Hermes-Uliana C, Pereira-Severi LS, Baptista EM, Mantovani LC, da Silva AV, de Almeida Araújo EJ. Acute infection with an avirulent strain of Toxoplasma gondii causes decreasing and atrophy of nitrergic myenteric neurons of rats. Acta Histochem 2017; 119:423-427. [PMID: 28478954 DOI: 10.1016/j.acthis.2017.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2017] [Revised: 04/22/2017] [Accepted: 04/27/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
In the enteric nervous system (ENS), nitrergic neurons produce and use nitric oxide (NO) as an inhibitory motor neurotransmitter in response to parasitic infections, including those caused by Toxoplasma gondii. However, damage to the host caused by NO has been reported by various authors, and the role of NO in protection or cytotoxicity continues to be extensively studied. In this study, nitrergic neurons were investigated in the myenteric plexus of the jejunum and the distal colon of rats infected with 500 oocysts of the M7741 strain of T. gondii. Ten rats were randomly assigned into a control group (CG) and infected group (IG; received 500 sporulated oocysts of T. gondii orally). After 24h, the rats were euthanized, and samples of the jejunum and distal colon were obtained and processed for NADPH-diaphorase histochemical analysis. Quantitative and morphometric analysis of the nitrergic neurons in whole mounts containing the myenteric plexus was performed. There was a numeric reduction of nitrergic neurons per mm2 in both jejunum and distal colon. The remaining nitrergic neurons suffered atrophy in the areas of the cell body and nucleus, which resulted in a decrease in cytoplasm. Thus, we conclude that an avirulent strain of T. gondii in a short time causes neuroplastic changes in the small and large intestine of rats.
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Ferezin RI, Vicentino-Vieira SL, Góis MB, Araújo EJDA, Melo GDAND, Garcia JL, Sant'Ana DDMG. Different inoculum loads of Toxoplasma gondii induce reduction of myenteric neurons of the rat colon. REVISTA BRASILEIRA DE PARASITOLOGIA VETERINARIA 2017; 26:47-53. [DOI: 10.1590/s1984-29612017003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2016] [Accepted: 01/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Abstract Toxoplasmosis, a disease caused by Toxoplasma gondii, is an important health problem, especially in immunocompromised hosts. T. gondii uses the gut wall as an infection gateway, with tropism for muscular and nervous tissues causing intestinal alterations, including some in the enteric nervous system. This study aims at investigating the colon of rats infected by T. gondii in order to understand how the amount of oocysts influences in myenteric neuronal changes. Sixty Wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus) were divided into six groups. One group remained as a control and the others received inocula of 10, 50, 100, 500 or 5,000 oocysts of T. gondii. The animals were euthanized after 30 days of infection. The total neuronal population and the nitrergic subpopulation in the colon myenteric plexus of each animal was counted. The data were statistically analyzed showing less weight gain in rats with 10, 500 and 5,000 oocysts. A decrease in the number of total neurons with 50, 100 or 5,000 oocysts and an increase in the nitrergic population with 10, 100, 500 or 5,000 oocysts were verified. These results show that neuronal alterations are more significant when the infection is induced by larger inocula and reinforces the suspicion that neuronal loss is directed at cholinergic neurons.
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18
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Pereira AV, Góis MB, Lera KRJL, Falkowski-Temporini GJ, Massini PF, Drozino RN, Aleixo DL, Miranda MM, da Silva Watanabe P, Conchon-Costa I, da Costa IN, Dos Anjos Neto Filho M, de Araújo SM, Pavanelli WR. Histopathological lesions in encephalon and heart of mice infected with Toxoplasma gondii increase after Lycopodium clavatum 200dH treatment. Pathol Res Pract 2016; 213:50-57. [PMID: 27894616 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2016.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2015] [Revised: 10/26/2016] [Accepted: 11/03/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
In many cases, symptoms of toxoplasmosis are mistaken for the ones of other infectious diseases. Clinical signs are rare in immunocompetent people. However, when they arise, in the acute phase of infection, several organs are affected due to the rapid spread of tachyzoites through the bloodstream. In the present study, the reduction of tachyzoites in peripheral blood of mice of G72 (infected 72h after treatment) and G48 (infected 48h after treatment and treated three more times), when compared with IC (infected and non-treated), suggests protective effect exerted by Lycopodium clavatum. If on the one hand L. clavatum brought benefits, reducing parasitemia, on the other hand, the parasitism became exacerbated. Histopathological analysis demonstrated focal, multifocal and diffuse inflammatory infiltrates, ranging from absent, discreet, moderate to intense, in heart and encephalon of mice of NIC (non-infected and non-treated), IC, G48 and G72 groups, respectively. In the perivascular region and meninges, the injuries were enlarged. The presence of tachyzoites was demonstrated through immunohistochemical (IHC) assay in myocardium. Toxoplasma gondii induced increase of collagen fibers in myocardium of mice of G72 and G48 groups, compared with IC (p<0.05) and NIC (p<0.001). The presence of inflammatory infiltrates, as well as the progressive fibrosis, caused myocardial remodeling in animals treated with L. clavatum. Counterstaining with H&E suggests TGF-β expression by mononuclear cells in the inflammatory infiltrate. Based on our results, we can conclude that the adopted regimen and potency exerted a protective effect, reducing parasitemia. However, it intensified the histopathological lesions in encephalon and heart of mice infected with T. gondii.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andréia Vieira Pereira
- Department of Experimental Pathology, State University of Londrina, Londrina, PR, Brazil
| | - Marcelo Biondaro Góis
- Department of Morphological Sciences, State University of Maringa, Maringa, PR, Brazil.
| | | | | | | | | | - Denise Lessa Aleixo
- Department of Health Sciences, State University of Maringa, Maringa, PR, Brazil
| | | | | | - Ivete Conchon-Costa
- Department of Experimental Pathology, State University of Londrina, Londrina, PR, Brazil
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Severance EG, Xiao J, Jones-Brando L, Sabunciyan S, Li Y, Pletnikov M, Prandovszky E, Yolken R. Toxoplasma gondii-A Gastrointestinal Pathogen Associated with Human Brain Diseases. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF NEUROBIOLOGY 2016; 131:143-163. [PMID: 27793216 DOI: 10.1016/bs.irn.2016.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Serious psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depression are important causes of mortality and morbidity worldwide. While these are primarily diseases involving altered brain functioning, numerous studies have documented increased rates of gastrointestinal inflammation and dysfunction in many individuals with these disorders. Toxoplasma gondii is an apicomplexan protozoan intracellular parasite with a widespread distribution in both developed and developing countries. Toxoplasma organisms enter the ecosystem through the shedding of oocysts by Toxoplasma-infected felines. In almost all cases of postnatal human infection, Toxoplasma enters its hosts through the intestinal tract either by the ingestion of oocysts or by the consumption of meat from food animals which themselves were infected by Toxoplasma oocysts. It had previously been thought that most cases of Toxoplasma infection in immune competent children and adults were inapparent and asymptomatic. However, recent studies cast doubt on this concept as exposure to Toxoplasma has been associated with a range of acute and chronic symptoms. Of particular note has been the finding of an increased rate of a range of neurological and psychiatric disorders associated with serological evidence of Toxoplasma exposure. A role of Toxoplasma infection in brain diseases is also supported by the consistent finding of altered cognition and behavior in animal models of infections. Much of the attention relating to the role of Toxoplasma infection in neuropsychiatric disorders has focused on the brain, where Toxoplasma tissue cysts can persist for extended periods of time. However, recent discoveries relating to the role of the gastrointestinal tract in cognition and behavior suggest that Toxoplasma may also increase susceptibility to human brain diseases through immune activation, particularly involving the gastrointestinal mucosa. The study of the pathways relating to the pathobiology and immunology of Toxoplasma infection may provide insights into the pathogenesis of a range of human neuropsychiatric disorders as well as into cognitive functioning in otherwise healthy individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- E G Severance
- Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - J Xiao
- Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - L Jones-Brando
- Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - S Sabunciyan
- Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Y Li
- Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - M Pletnikov
- Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - E Prandovszky
- Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - R Yolken
- Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States.
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20
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Góis MB, Hermes-Uliana C, Barreto Zago MC, Zanoni JN, da Silva AV, de Miranda-Neto MH, de Almeida Araújo EJ, Sant'Ana DDMG. Chronic infection with Toxoplasma gondii induces death of submucosal enteric neurons and damage in the colonic mucosa of rats. Exp Parasitol 2016; 164:56-63. [PMID: 26902605 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2016.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2015] [Revised: 02/14/2016] [Accepted: 02/17/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Intestinal epithelial secretion is coordinated by the submucosal plexus (SMP). Chemical mediators from SMP regulate the immunobiological response and direct actions against infectious agents. Toxoplasma gondii is a worldwide parasite that causes toxoplasmosis. This study aimed to determine the effects of chronic infection with T. gondii on the morphometry of the mucosa and the submucosal enteric neurons in the proximal colon of rats. Male adult rats were distributed into a control group (n = 10) and an infected group (n = 10). Infected rats received orally 500 oocysts of T. gondii (ME-49). After 36 days, the rats were euthanized and samples of the proximal colon were processed for histology to evaluate mucosal thickness in sections. Whole mounts were stained with methylene blue and subjected to immunohistochemistry to detect vasoactive intestinal polypeptide. The total number of submucosal neurons decreased by 16.20%. Vasoactive intestinal polypeptide-immunoreactive neurons increased by 26.95%. Intraepithelial lymphocytes increased by 62.86% and sulfomucin-producing goblet cells decreased by 22.87%. Crypt depth was greater by 43.02%. It was concluded that chronic infection with T. gondii induced death and hypertrophy in the remaining submucosal enteric neurons and damage to the colonic mucosa of rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcelo Biondaro Góis
- State University of Maringa, Department of Morphological Sciences, Maringa, PR, Brazil.
| | | | | | | | - Aristeu Vieira da Silva
- State University of Feira de Santana, Department of Biological Sciences, Feira de Santana, BA, Brazil
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Halliez MCM, Buret AG. Gastrointestinal Parasites and the Neural Control of Gut Functions. Front Cell Neurosci 2015; 9:452. [PMID: 26635531 PMCID: PMC4658430 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2015.00452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2015] [Accepted: 11/02/2015] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Gastrointestinal motility and transport of water and electrolytes play key roles in the pathophysiology of diarrhea upon exposure to enteric parasites. These processes are actively modulated by the enteric nervous system (ENS), which includes efferent, and afferent neurons, as well as interneurons. ENS integrity is essential to the maintenance of homeostatic gut responses. A number of gastrointestinal parasites are known to cause disease by altering the ENS. The mechanisms remain incompletely understood. Cryptosporidium parvum, Giardia duodenalis (syn. Giardia intestinalis, Giardia lamblia), Trypanosoma cruzi, Schistosoma species and others alter gastrointestinal motility, absorption, or secretion at least in part via effects on the ENS. Recent findings also implicate enteric parasites such as C. parvum and G. duodenalis in the development of post-infectious complications such as irritable bowel syndrome, which further underscores their effects on the gut-brain axis. This article critically reviews recent advances and the current state of knowledge on the impact of enteric parasitism on the neural control of gut functions, and provides insights into mechanisms underlying these abnormalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie C M Halliez
- Department of Biological Sciences, Inflammation Research Network, Host-Parasite Interaction NSERC-CREATE, University of Calgary Calgary, AB, Canada ; Protozooses transmises par l'alimentation, Rouen University Hospital, University of Rouen and Institute for Biomedical Research, University of Reims Champagne-Ardennes Rouen and Reims, France
| | - André G Buret
- Department of Biological Sciences, Inflammation Research Network, Host-Parasite Interaction NSERC-CREATE, University of Calgary Calgary, AB, Canada
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