Evaluation of Toxoplasma gondii B1 gene in Placental Tissues of Pregnant Women with Acute Toxoplasmosis

Pro-inflammatory responses after peptide-based cancer immunotherapy

Therapeutic vaccinations are designed to prevent cancer by inducing immune responses against tumor antigens. in cancer cells, tumor-associated antigens (TAA) or tumor-specific (mutated) derived peptides are presented within the clefts of main histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I or class II molecules, they either activate cytotoxic T-lymphocytes (CTLs), CD4+ T or CD8+ T lymphocytes, which release cytokines that can suppress tumor cells growth. In cancer immunotherapies, CD8+ T lymphocytes are a major mediator of tumor repression. The effect of peptide-based vaccinations on cytokines in the activating CD8+ T cell against targeted tumor antigens is the subject of this review. It is believed that peptide-based vaccines increased IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-2, and IL-12, secreting CTL line by interacting with dendritic cell (DC), supposed to stimulate immune system. Additionally, mechanisms of CTL activation and dysfunction were also studied. According to most of the data resulted from in vivo and in vitro research works, it is assumed that peptide-based vaccines increased IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-2, and IL-12.

Toxoplasma gondii molecular detection and phylogenetic analysis in hemodialysis patients from Khuzestan, Southwest Iran

BACKGROUND

The diagnosis and genetic characterization of Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) infection can make a significant influence to the prevention of the dangerous consequences of toxoplasmosis, particularly in immunocompromised people.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this investigation was to assess the frequency and genotyping of T. gondii in blood samples of patients with hemodialysis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In the current investigation, a total of 379 blood samples were taken from subjects with hemodialysis who were referred to teaching hospital of Ahvaz in the southwest of Iran. The samples were evaluated using the Nested PCR by targeting the B1 gene, and then, sequencing and phylogenetic tree were constructed.

RESULTS

T. gondii DNA was found in 112 (29.55%) of the blood samples by Nested PCR. Amplicons from T. gondii revealed high identity with GenBank sequences. The phylogenetic analysis revealed that all sequences were closely related to Type I of T. gondii.

CONCLUSION

Because of the high incidence of toxoplasmosis with type I prevalent in hemodialysis patients, we recommend a systematic screening for toxoplasmosis to carry out for monitoring the possible dissemination of toxoplasmosis during hemodialysis.

The role of key biomarkers in lymphatic malformation: An updated review

The lymphatic system, crucial for tissue fluid balance and immune surveillance, can be severely impacted by disorders that hinder its activities. Lymphatic malformations (LMs) are caused by fluid accumulation in tissues owing to defects in lymphatic channel formation, the obstruction of lymphatic vessels or injury to lymphatic tissues. Somatic mutations, varying in symptoms based on lesions' location and size, provide insights into their molecular pathogenesis by identifying LMs' genetic causes. In this review, we collected the most recent findings about the role of genetic and inflammatory biomarkers in LMs that control the formation of these malformations. A thorough evaluation of the literature from 2000 to the present was conducted using the PubMed and Google Scholar databases. Although it is obvious that the vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 3 mutation accounts for a significant proportion of LM patients, several mutations in other genes thought to be linked to LM have also been discovered. Also, inflammatory mediators like interleukin-6, interleukin-8, tumor necrosis factor-alpha and mammalian target of rapamycin are the most commonly associated biomarkers with LM. Understanding the mutations and genes expression responsible for the abnormalities in lymphatic endothelial cells could lead to novel therapeutic strategies based on molecular pathways.

Key biomarkers in cerebral arteriovenous malformations: Updated review

The formation of vascular networks consisting of arteries, capillaries, and veins is vital in embryogenesis. It is also crucial in adulthood for the formation of a functional vasculature. Cerebral arteriovenous malformations (CAVMs) are linked with a remarkable risk of intracerebral hemorrhage because arterial blood is directly shunted into the veins before the arterial blood pressure is dissipated. The underlying mechanisms responsible for arteriovenous malformation (AVM) growth, progression, and rupture are not fully known, yet the critical role of inflammation in AVM pathogenesis has been noted. The proinflammatory cytokines are upregulated in CAVM, which stimulates overexpression of cell adhesion molecules in endothelial cells (ECs), leading to improved leukocyte recruitment. It is well-known that metalloproteinase-9 secretion by leukocytes disrupts CAVM walls resulting in rupture. Moreover, inflammation alters the angioarchitecture of CAVMs by upregulating angiogenic factors impacting the apoptosis, migration, and proliferation of ECs. A better understanding of the molecular signature of CAVM might allow us to identify biomarkers predicting this complication, acting as a goal for further investigations that may be potentially targeted in gene therapy. The present review is focused on the numerous studies conducted on the molecular signature of CAVM and the associated hemorrhage. The association of numerous molecular signatures with a higher risk of CAVM rupture is shown through inducing proinflammatory mediators, as well as growth factors signaling, Ras-mitogen-activated protein kinase-extracellular signal-regulated kinase, and NOTCH pathways, which are accompanied by cellular level inflammation and endothelial alterations resulting in vascular wall instability. According to the studies, it is assumed that matrix metalloproteinase, interleukin-6, and vascular endothelial growth factor are the biomarkers most associated with CAVM and the rate of hemorrhage, as well as diagnostic methods, with respect to enhancing the patient-specific risk estimation and improving treatment choices.

Ocular Toxoplasmosis

INTRODUCTION

Ocular toxoplasmosis is the leading cause of posterior uveitis worldwide, affecting individuals acrossdifferent age groups. The key to reducing vision loss includes prompt diagnosis and treatment. However, despite the prevalence of ocular toxoplasmosis, there has been little consensus regarding its pathophysiology,clinical features, diagnosis, and especially management.

METHODS

The data sources were literature reviews, including Pub Med and Medline databases. Search terms included toxoplasmosis, retinitis, vasculitis, vitritis, uveitis alone or in combination with, serum, aqueous, vitreous eye, ocular and review.

RESULTS

In this review paper, we have sought to provide an overview of the pathophysiology, epidemiology, and clinical features of the disease, both based on current literature and our own clinical experience. We have also discussed the use of serology, ocular fluid, and ophthalmic investigations that could further facilitate the diagnosis of ocular toxoplasmosis.Different management strategies have been reported worldwide, including newer approaches such as local therapy.

CONCLUSION

A better understanding of critical aspects of ocular toxoplasmosis will hopefully lead to reduced morbidity, including blindness associated with this condition.

Real-time PCR in the diagnosis of congenital toxoplasmosis

The diagnosis of congenital toxoplasmosis presents limitations and therefore new options are necessary. The analysis of amniotic fluid by real-time PCR has already proved effective for confirmation of fetal infection. However, its performance in other biological samples is not clear yet. The aim of this study is to better understand the role of real-time PCR in the blood of the mother and newborn as well as in the amniotic fluid and placenta in the diagnosis of congenital toxoplasmosis. This is a descriptive cohort study of pregnant women with toxoplasmosis followed up in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Real-time PCR was performed in samples of maternal blood, amniotic fluid, placenta, and blood of newborns. In addition, histopathological examination of placentas was performed, and data collected from babies were collected. 116 pregnant women were followed up and 298 samples were analyzed. One (0.9%) pregnant woman presented positive PCR in the blood, 3 (3.5%) in the amniotic fluid, 1 (2.3%) in the placenta and no newborn had positive PCR in the blood. Histopathological study was suggestive of toxoplasmosis infection in 24 (49%) placentas. Six (5.2%) newborns were diagnosed with congenital toxoplasmosis, and only cases with positive PCR in the amniotic fluid had correlation of the PCR result with the diagnosis of congenital infection. Both maternal and blood samples of newborns and placenta did not prove to be promising in the diagnosis of congenital toxoplasmosis. Further studies are needed to evaluate the real role of molecular diagnosis in other biological materials rather than the amniotic fluid.

Molecular detection of Toxoplasma gondii in placentas of women who received therapy during gestation in a toxoplasmosis outbreak

Toxoplasmosis is a disease caused by T. gondii, a protozoa which affects humans and animals and is widely distributed worldwide. In humans, there is great concern due to the serious consequences that can occur in the infection of pregnant women and the newborn. The early diagnosis of gestational toxoplasmosis is important for treatment to be carried out in order to prevent vertical transmission or reduce damage. The diagnosis can be made through the detection of antibodies in pregnant women or neonates and PCR of amniotic fluid. Previous studies have also reported PCR of the placenta as a good diagnostic test. Our study evaluated the detection of T. gondii DNA in placenta samples from parturients seen at the University Hospital of Santa Maria, Southern Brazil and treated during the pregnancy. We performed PCR in forty samples and five were positive, representing 12.5%. When correlating the treatment time and the detection of DNA in the placentas, no significant result was found. The prevalence of positive samples was lower than in other studies in the literature. The data reaffirm the importance of carrying out the analysis of the placenta.

Molecular detection of Toxoplasma gondii in aborted fetuses of goats in Chattogram, Bangladesh

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Toxoplasma gondii is a protozoan parasite that is responsible for the major cause of congenital diseases, abortion, and stillbirth in humans and farm animals. Primary infection in pregnant goats due to T. gondii leads to abortion and significant economic losses in the livestock industry. Moreover, very few studies have been performed for the identification of T. gondii from aborted fetuses of goats. The study was conducted for the molecular identification of Toxoplasma gondii from aborted fetuses of goats in Chattogram, Bangladesh.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twenty aborted fetuses of goats were collected from 52 farms in the study area. A nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay targeting the B1 gene was performed, and a positive sample yield of 197 bp amplified DNA products consistent with T. gondii.

RESULTS

The overall prevalence of toxoplasmosis in the aborted fetus of goats was 35%. Heart muscle, liver, brain, and placenta showed positive PCR results. The risk factors related to the does age, presence of cats in farms, and aborted fetus age were found to be statistically significant (p<0.05). Our results showed that T. gondii is a major possible causal factor for abortion and reproductive failure in goats. The high prevalence of T. gondii infection in aborted fetuses of goats revealed that T. gondii could be imperative in causing reproductive failure in goats.

CONCLUSION

Active or congenital toxoplasmosis was shown by the presence of T. gondii in fetal tissues, which is a matter of concern as this parasite has zoonotic significance and causes economic hazards to the livestock industry by causing various reproductive problems. Therefore, proper control measures and strategies are needed to reduce the rate of abortion in goats, ultimately saving the livestock industry.