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Yen CM, Fu YY, Yang MY. P06.06.B standardization of therapy and manufacturing using tumor-associated antigen-stimulated autologous dendritic cells co-cultured with cytokine-induced killer cells in cancer immunotherapy. Neuro Oncol 2022. [DOI: 10.1093/neuonc/noac174.130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
The application of DC-CIK in the field of cancer immunotherapy has been shown to be an effective treatment. However, the cost of DC-CIK treatment is prohibitive for many patients, and the lack of standard manufacturing processes and treatment strategies are the main limitations.
Material and Methods
Our experiments used tumor lysate instead of tumor cell line as tumor-associated antigen source with DCs co-culture. We provide the most efficient method for obtaining autologous DC-CIK cells from peripheral blood. Flow cytometry was used to evaluate DCs activation, CBA assay was used to quantify cytokines secreted by CIK cells, and the antitumor activity of DC-CIK was evaluated in vitro by K562 cell line.
Results
We demonstrate that the manufacturing process of employing frozen Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells (PBMCs) can balance patient’s comfort and economic benefits. DC-CIK can effectively upgrade the immunological specificity of CIK cells to tumors in the presence of tumor-associated antigen. In vitro experiments showed that when the number of DC: CIK cells was co-cultured in 1:20 ratio on the 14th day, the amount of cytokine secreted by CIK cells was the largest, and the anti-tumor immune effect was the most potent. When the number of CIK: K562 cells was in 25:1 ratio, the cytotoxic activity of CIK on K562 cells was the highest.
Conclusion
We developed an efficient activated fashion of DC:CIK, established the optimal ratio of DC-CIK immunologic activity and the best cytotoxic model of CIK to K562 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- C M Yen
- Taichung Veterans General Hospital , Taichung , Taiwan
| | - Y Y Fu
- Taichung Veterans General Hospital , Taichung , Taiwan
| | - M Y Yang
- Taichung Veterans General Hospital , Taichung , Taiwan
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Ma YH, Wu MH, Chung LY, Yen CM, Juan YS, Lin RJ. Cestocidal activities of bioactive garlic compounds against Hymenolepis nana. Acta Trop 2022; 235:106580. [DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2022.106580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Revised: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
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Abstract
Infections by soil-transmitted helminths are a major public health problem worldwide, especially among schoolchildren in low-income countries. Little information is described about their prevalence in the Solomon Islands. From 2017 to 2018, a school-based soil-transmitted helminths survey in the Guadalcanal Province was conducted. A total of 454 schoolchildren were selected; the Merthiolate-iodine-formaldehyde concentration and stain was used. The prevalence was 17% of one or more parasites, including hookworm (8.8%), Strongyloides stercoralis (5.7%), Ascaris lumbricoides (4.2%) and Trichuris trichiura (3.5%). STH infection was significantly correlated with parents' occupations, hand washing, shoe wearing as well as gastrointestinal symptoms. To prevent STH transmission for schoolchildren in the Solomon Islands completely, combined preventive strategies seem necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- June-Der Lee
- PhD, Department of Parasitology and Institute of Medicine, 38023Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung.,Graduate Institute of Medicine, 38023Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung.,Department of Medical Research, 89234Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung
| | - Chuan-Min Yen
- PhD, Department of Parasitology and Institute of Medicine, 38023Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung
| | - Jiun-Jye Wang
- PhD, Department of Parasitology and Institute of Medicine, 38023Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung
| | - Rong-Jyh Lin
- PhD, Department of Parasitology and Institute of Medicine, 38023Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung
| | - Li-Yu Chung
- PhD, Department of Parasitology and Institute of Medicine, 38023Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung
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Wang JJ, Wu ZS, Chung LY, Lu CY, Yen CM. Galectin-9-like from Angiostrongylus cantonensis young adult worms modulates eosinophil chemotaxis in vitro. Journal of Microbiology, Immunology and Infection 2020; 53:604-611. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jmii.2018.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2018] [Revised: 09/07/2018] [Accepted: 09/19/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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Tsai HC, Chen YH, Yen CM, Chung LY, Wann SR, Lee SSJ, Chen YS. Dexamethasone Downregulates Expressions of 14-3-3β and γ-Isoforms in Mice with Eosinophilic Meningitis Caused by Angiostrongylus cantonensis Infection. Korean J Parasitol 2019; 57:249-256. [PMID: 31284347 PMCID: PMC6616158 DOI: 10.3347/kjp.2019.57.3.249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2019] [Accepted: 04/09/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Steroids are commonly used in patients with eosinophilic meningitis caused by A. cantonensis infections. The mechanism steroids act on eosinophilic meningitis remains unclear. In this mouse experiments, expressions of 14-3-3 isoform β and γ proteins significantly increased in the CSF 2–3 weeks after the infection, but not increasedin the dexamethasone-treated group. Expression of 14-3-3 β, γ, ɛ, and θ isoforms increased in brain meninges over the 3-week period after infection and decreased due to dexamethasone treatment. In conclusion, administration of dexamethasone in mice with eosinophilic meningitis decreased expressions of 14-3-3 isoform proteins in the CSF and in brain meninges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hung-Chin Tsai
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan and National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Parasitology and Graduate Institute of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Hsin Chen
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan and National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chuan-Min Yen
- Department of Parasitology and Graduate Institute of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Li-Yu Chung
- Department of Parasitology and Graduate Institute of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Shue-Ren Wann
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan and National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Susan Shin-Jung Lee
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan and National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yao-Shen Chen
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan and National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
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Tsai HC, Chen YH, Yen CM, Lee SSJ, Chen YS. Increased 14-3-3β and γ protein isoform expressions in parasitic eosinophilic meningitis caused by Angiostrongylus cantonensis infection in mice. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0213244. [PMID: 30845271 PMCID: PMC6405114 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0213244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2018] [Accepted: 02/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The 14-3-3 proteins are cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) markers of neuronal damage during infectious meningitis and Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. Little is known about dynamic changes in the individual isoforms in response to parasitic eosinophilic meningitis. The purposes of this study were to determine the 14-3-3 protein isoform patterns, examine the kinetics and correlate the severity of blood brain barrier (BBB) damage with the expressions of these markers in mice with eosinophilic meningitis. Mice were orally infected with 50 A. cantonensis L3 via an oro-gastric tube and sacrificed every week for 3 consecutive weeks after infection. The Evans blue method and BBB junctional protein expressions were used to measure changes in the BBB. Hematoxylin and eosin staining was used to analyze pathological changes in the mice brains following 1–3 weeks of infection with A. cantonensis. The levels of 14-3-3 protein isoforms in serum/CSF and brain homogenates were analyzed by Western blot, and immunohistochemistry (IHC) was used to explore the different isoform distributions of 14-3-3 proteins and changes in BBB junctional proteins in the mice brain meninges. Dexamethasone was injected intraperitoneally from the seventh day post infection (dpi) until the end of the study (21 dpi) to study the changes in BBB junctional proteins. The amounts of Evans blue, tight junction and 14-3-3 protein isoforms in the different groups of mice were compared using the nonparametric Kruskal-Wallis test. There were significant increases in 14-3-3 protein isoforms β and γ in the CSF in the second and third weeks after infection compared to the controls and first week of infection, which were correlated with the severity of BBB damage in brain histology, and Evans blue extravasation. Using IHC to assess the distribution of 14-3-3 protein isoforms and changes in BBB junctional proteins in the mice brain meninges, the expressions of isoforms β, γ, ε, and θ and junctional proteins occludin and claudin-5 in the brain meninges increased over a 3-week period after infection compared to the controls and 1 week after infection. The administration of dexamethasone decreased the expressions of BBB junctional proteins occludin and claudin-5 in the mice brain meninges. Our findings support that 14-3-3 proteins β and γ can potentially be used as a CSF marker of neuronal damage in parasitic eosinophilic meningitis caused by A. cantonensis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hung-Chin Tsai
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan and National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan, R.O.C.
- Department of Parasitology and Graduate Institute of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, R.O.C.
- * E-mail:
| | - Yu-Hsin Chen
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan and National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan, R.O.C.
| | - Chuan-Min Yen
- Department of Parasitology and Graduate Institute of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, R.O.C.
| | - Susan Shin-Jung Lee
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan and National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan, R.O.C.
| | - Yao-Shen Chen
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan and National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan, R.O.C.
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Lee JD, Chung LY, Lin RJ, Wang JJ, Tu HP, Yen CM. Excretory/secretory proteases and mechanical movement of Anisakis pegreffii infective larvae in the penetration of BALB/c mice gastrointestine. Kaohsiung J Med Sci 2017; 33:594-601. [PMID: 29132548 DOI: 10.1016/j.kjms.2017.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2017] [Revised: 06/28/2017] [Accepted: 08/08/2017] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Anisakiasis is a human parasitic disease caused by infection with the infective larvae of Anisakis. Accidental infection in humans causes the gastrointestinal pathophysiological effects of mechanical tissue damage by migrating larvae. The mechanism of the infective larval invasion and migration is suspected to involve larval excretory/secretory proteases and motility. This study demonstrates the penetration rate of the infective larvae of Anisakis pegreffii in mouse gastrointestine depends on the time after infection, and that only 15% of larvae remain in the gastrointestinal tract 3 h after infection. Strong activities of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and serine proteases, especially plasmin, were found in the excretory/secretory products of A. pegreffii; these can be inhibited by ONO-4817 and phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride, respectively. The protease activity was also significantly decreased in another 1 h of cultivation of larvae in fresh 0.9% normal saline (NS) after previous cultivation for 48 h in NS. The motility scores of larvae were significantly lower after 48 h of cultivation in NS. The penetration rate of A. pegreffii larvae in the gastrointestine of infected mice sequentially were 90% in the freshly prepared, 68% in serine protease inhibited, 55% in MMPs inhibited larvae, and 16% in larvae cultivated in NS for 48 h. Therefore, this study demonstrates that MMPs and serine proteases excreted and secreted by A. pegreffii and the mechanical movement of infective larvae participate in the penetration of the gastrointestine of mice after infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- June-Der Lee
- Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; Department of Medical Research, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Li-Yu Chung
- Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Rong-Jyh Lin
- Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; Department of Medical Research, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Jiun-Jye Wang
- Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Hong-Pin Tu
- Department of Public Health and Environment Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Chuan-Min Yen
- Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; Department of Medical Research, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
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Chen KY, Yen CM, Hwang KP, Wang LC. Enterobius vermicularis infection and its risk factors among pre-school children in Taipei, Taiwan. J Microbiol Immunol Infect 2017; 51:559-564. [PMID: 28690027 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmii.2016.12.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2016] [Accepted: 12/13/2016] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The prevalence of pinworm infection is extremely low in Taipei, Taiwan. This population study was designed to determine the current status and the associated risk factors of this infection among pre-school children. METHODS Perianal swab specimens were obtained from the parents or guardians using a two-consecutive-day adhesive cellophane perianal swab kit. Information of family background, personal hygiene, and household sanitary conditions were collected by asking the parents or guardians to complete a questionnaire. RESULTS Of 44,163 children, 0.21% was found to infect with pinworm. The positive rate was highest in Datong (0.59%) and Nangang (0.58%) Districts and lowest in Neihu District (0.02%). There was no significant difference in the rates by gender (boys 0.24% and girls 0.19%) or school (kindergartens 0.25% and nurseries 0.17%). Significantly higher positive rates were found in children having parent with lower educational level and elder brother(s)/sister(s). Children taking bath by themselves and those sleeping in bed with matting had significantly higher positive rates. Five significant independent predictors of pinworm infection were determined by multivariate analysis: having elder brother(s), having elder sister(s), infrequent washing hands after using toilet facilities, bathing without the help of family members, and sleeping on bed with matting. CONCLUSION The prevalence of pinworm infection in the pre-school children of Taipei is extremely low and decreasing. Good hand washing habit should be an important preventive measure. Transmission of this infection in pre-school children may occur in the family through their school-age siblings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kuang-Yao Chen
- Department of Parasitology, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
| | - Chuan-Min Yen
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
| | - Kao-Pin Hwang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, China Medical University Children's Hospital, Taichung 404, Taiwan
| | - Lian-Chen Wang
- Department of Parasitology, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan; Molecular Infectious Disease Research Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan.
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Tseng KL, Yen CM, Tsai MJ, Huang CH. Eosinophilic meningitis caused by Angiostrongylus cantonensis mimicking embolic stroke. Kaohsiung J Med Sci 2016; 32:221-3. [PMID: 27185606 DOI: 10.1016/j.kjms.2016.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2016] [Accepted: 03/03/2016] [Indexed: 10/22/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Kuo-Lun Tseng
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Chuan-Min Yen
- Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Ju Tsai
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Chung-Hao Huang
- Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
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Tsai HC, Lee BY, Yen CM, Wann SR, Lee SSJ, Chen YS. Dexamethasone inhibits brain apoptosis in mice with eosinophilic meningitis caused by Angiostrongylus cantonensis infection. Parasit Vectors 2015; 8:200. [PMID: 25890054 PMCID: PMC4382933 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-015-0792-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2014] [Accepted: 03/10/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Angiostrongylus cantonensis, the rat lungworm, is the major cause of eosinophilic meningitis worldwide. Rats serve as the definitive host of the nematode, but humans can be infected incidentally, leading to eosinophilic meningitis. A previous BALB/c animal study has demonstrated increased apoptotic proteins and decreased anti-apoptotic proteins in mice infected with A. cantonensis. Steroids may be an effective treatment option for eosinophilic meningitis caused by A. cantonensis, but the involved mechanism is unclear. This study hypothesized that the beneficial effects of steroids on eosinophilic meningitis are mediated by decreased apoptosis. Methods In a BALB/c animal model, mice were orally infected with 50 A. cantonensis L3 via an oro-gastric tube and were sacrificed every week for 3 consecutive weeks after infection or until the end of the study. Dexamethasone was injected intra-peritoneally from the 7th day post-infection until the end of the 21-day study. Evans blue method was used to measure changes in the blood brain barrier, while western blotting, immuno-histochemistry, and TUNEL assay were used to analyze brain homogenates expression of apoptotic and anti-apoptotic proteins. Results There were increased amounts of Evans blue, apoptotic proteins (caspase-3, -8, and -9 and cytochrome C), and decreased anti-apoptotic proteins (bcl-2) after 2-3 weeks of infection. Dexamethasone administration significantly decreased Evans blue extravasations and apoptotic protein expressions. Conclusions Apoptosis of mice brain homogenates can be repressed by dexamethasone treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hung-Chin Tsai
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan and National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan. .,National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan.
| | - Bi-Yao Lee
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan and National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan.
| | - Chuan-Min Yen
- Department of Parasitology and Graduate Institute of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
| | - Shue-Ren Wann
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan and National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan.
| | - Susan Shin-Jung Lee
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan and National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan.
| | - Yao-Shen Chen
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan and National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan.
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Lin RJ, Chen CY, Lu CM, Ma YH, Chung LY, Wang JJ, Lee JD, Yen CM. Anthelmintic constituents from ginger (Zingiber officinale) against Hymenolepis nana. Acta Trop 2014; 140:50-60. [PMID: 25063389 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2014.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2014] [Revised: 06/14/2014] [Accepted: 07/15/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
This study investigated the anthelmintic activity of gingerenone A, [6]-dehydrogingerdione, [4]-shogaol, 5-hydroxy-[6]-gingerol, [6]-shogaol, [6]-gingerol, [10]-shogaol, [10]-gingerol, hexahydrocurcumin, 3R,5S-[6]-gingerdiol and 3S,5S-[6]-gingerdiol, a constituent isolate from the roots of ginger, for the parasite Hymenolepis nana. The cestocidal activity or ability to halt spontaneous parasite movement (oscillation/peristalsis) in H. nana of above constituents was reached from 24 to 72h in a time- and dose-dependent manner, respectively. The [10]-shogaol and [10]-gingero1 have maximum lethal efficacy and loss of spontaneous movement than the others at 24-72h. In addition, worms treated with 1 and 10μM [10]-gingero1, more than 30% had spontaneous movement of oscillation at 72h but [10]-shogaol at 72h only about 15-20% of oscillation. This showing that [10]-gingero1 had less loss of spontaneous movement efficacy than [10]-shogaol. After exposure to 200μM [10]-shogaol, 100% of H. nana had died at 12h rather than died at 24h for [10]-gingerol, showing that [10]-gingero1 had less lethal efficacy than [10]-shogaol. In addition, these constituents of ginger showed effects against peroxyl radical under cestocidal activity. In order to evaluate the cestocidal activity and cytokine production caused by ginger's extract R0 in the H. nana infected mice, we carried out in vivo examination about H. nana infected mice BALB/c mice were inoculated orally with 500 eggs. After post-inoculation, R0 (1g/kg/day) was administered orally for 10 days. The R0 exhibited cestocidal activity in vivo of significantly reduced worms number and cytokines production by in vitro Con A-stimulated spleen cells showed that INF-γ and IL-2 were significantly increases by R0. IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-10 and IL-13 were significantly decreases and Murine KC and IL-12 were not significantly changes by R0. Together, these findings first suggest that these constituents of ginger might be used as cestocidal agents against H. nana.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rong-Jyh Lin
- Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan.
| | - Chung-Yi Chen
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Fooyin University, Kaohsiung 83102, Taiwan.
| | - Chin-Mei Lu
- Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan; Department of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan.
| | - Yi-Hsuan Ma
- Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan; Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan.
| | - Li-Yu Chung
- Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan.
| | - Jiun-Jye Wang
- Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan.
| | - June-Der Lee
- Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan.
| | - Chuan-Min Yen
- Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan; Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan.
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Chen KY, Cheng CJ, Yen CM, Tang P, Wang LC. Comparative studies on the proteomic expression patterns in the third- and fifth-stage larvae of Angiostrongylus cantonensis. Parasitol Res 2014; 113:3591-600. [PMID: 25028210 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-014-4024-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2014] [Accepted: 07/04/2014] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Angiostrongylus cantonensis is an important zoonotic parasite causing eosinophilic meningitis and eosinophilic meningoencephalitis in humans. In this study, the protein expression profiles of the infective third- and pathogenic fifth-stage larvae (L3 and L5) of this parasite were compared by proteomic techniques. Isolated protein samples were separated by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE), stained with silver nitrate, and analyzed by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). Proteins from L5 were mainly at pH 5-7 and with molecular weight (MW) 40-100 kDa, whereas those from L3 were at pH 5-6 and with 5-35 kDa. Of 100 protein spots identified, 33 were from L3 whereas 67 from L5 and 63 had known identities, whereas 37 were hypothetical proteins. There were 15 spots of stress proteins, and HSP60 was the most frequently found heat stress proteins in L5. More binding and protein transport-related proteins were found in L5 including peptidylprolyl isomerase (cyclophilin)-like 2, serum albumin, preproalbumin precursor, and dilute class unconventional myosin. L3 had a higher expression of cytoskeleton and membrane proteins than L5. In addition, four protein spots were identified in the sera of the rat host by Western blot analysis. The present proteomic study revealed different protein expression profiles in L3 and L5 of A. cantonensis. These changes may reflect the development of L3 from the poikilothermic snails to L5 in the homoeothemic rats. This information may be useful for the finding of stage-specific proteins and biomarker for diagnosis of angiostrongyliasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kuang-Yao Chen
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, 333, Taiwan
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Lee JD, Chung LY, Wang LC, Lin RJ, Wang JJ, Tu HP, Wu ZD, Yen CM. Sequence analysis in partial genes of five isolates of Angiostrongylus cantonensis from Taiwan and biological comparison in infectivity and pathogenicity between two strains. Acta Trop 2014; 133:26-34. [PMID: 24503290 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2014.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2013] [Revised: 01/15/2014] [Accepted: 01/26/2014] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Angiostrongylus cantonensis is the most common infectious agent causing eosinophilic meningitis and is present in Taiwan, Thailand and the Pacific islands. Clinical symptoms vary within different endemic regions, and their severity is probably dependent on the number of ingested parasites and the diversity among strains. The experimentally definitive host is the rat, and non-permissive hosts are certain mammals such as humans and mice. In this study, the partial gene sequences of two A. cantonensis strains isolated from five different regions in Taiwan were selected and molecularly analyzed. The internal transcribed spacer gene and cytochrome-c oxidase subunit I gene sequences of the Hualien (H) strain of A. cantonensis differed from those of the Pingtung (P) strain and the other three strains by 19% and 11%, respectively. We analyzed the infectivity, fecundity, and development of the H and P strain in rats and host pathogenicity in mice inoculated with both strains. The number of the emerged first-stage larvae, adult recovery, and average length of adults in Sprague-Dawley rats significantly differed between rats inoculated with the H and P strain. Young adult recovery, average length of young adults, eosinophil counts in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), glutathione peroxidase concentration, levels of reactive oxygen species as well as malondialdehyde concentration in the CSF, and the survival of mice significantly differed between BALB/c mice inoculated with the H and P strain. The H strain of A. cantonensis had lower infectivity, delayed fecundity, and poor development in rats, and caused milder pathology and lower mortality in mice than the P strain. These data clearly indicate that the H strain of A. cantonensis is a pathogenically distinct strain with lower infectivity to its definitive host, and causing mild pathogenic symptoms to its non-permissive host.
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Lin RJ, Wu MH, Ma YH, Chung LY, Chen CY, Yen CM. Anthelmintic activities of aporphine from Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn. cv. Rosa-plena against Hymenolepis nana. Int J Mol Sci 2014; 15:3624-39. [PMID: 24583851 PMCID: PMC3975358 DOI: 10.3390/ijms15033624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2013] [Revised: 02/08/2014] [Accepted: 02/10/2014] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn. cv. Rosa-plena (Nelumbonaceae), commonly known as lotus, is a perennial aquatic plant grown and consumed throughout Asia. All parts of N. nucifera have been used for various medicinal purposes in oriental medicine. From the leaves of Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn. cv. Rosa-plena (an aquatic plant), liriodenine (1), lysicamine (2), (−)-anonaine (3), (-)-asimilobine (4), (-)-caaverine (5), (-)-N-methylasimilobine (6), (-)-nuciferine (7), (-)-nornuciferine (8), (-)-roemerine (9), 7-hydroxydehydronuciferine (10) and cepharadione B (11) were isolated and identification and anthelmintic activities of aporphine was evaluated against Anisakis simplex and Hymenolepis nana. This study found that the above constituents killed H. nana or reduced their spontaneous movements (oscillation/peristalsis). However, the above constituents at various concentrations demonstrated no larvicidal effect or ability to halt spontaneous parasite movement for 72 h against A. simplex, respectively. In addition, according to an assay of cestocidal activity against H. nana and nematocidal activity against A. simplex, we found that the above compounds showed greater lethal efficacy on H. nana than against A. simplex. Further investigation showed that these above constituents have effects against peroxyl radicals under cestocidal effect. Together, these findings suggest that these constituents of Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn. cv. Rosa-plena might be used as anthelmintic agents against H. nana.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rong-Jyh Lin
- Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan.
| | - Mei-Hsuan Wu
- Department of Medicinal and Applied Chemistry, College of Life Science, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan.
| | - Yi-Hsuan Ma
- Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan.
| | - Li-Yu Chung
- Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan.
| | - Chung-Yi Chen
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, School of Medical and Health Sciences, Fooyin University, Ta-Liao District, Kaohsiung 83102, Taiwan.
| | - Chuan-Min Yen
- Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan.
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Tsai HC, Huang YL, Chen YS, Yen CM, Tsai R, Lee SSJ, Tai MH. 14-3-3β protein expression in eosinophilic meningitis caused by Angiostrongylus cantonensis infection. BMC Res Notes 2014; 7:97. [PMID: 24555778 PMCID: PMC3932789 DOI: 10.1186/1756-0500-7-97] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2013] [Accepted: 02/11/2014] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Angiostrongylus cantonensis is a parasite endemic in the Southeast Asian and Pacific regions. Humans are incidentally infected either by eating uncooked intermediate hosts or by consuming vegetables containing the living third-stage larvae. The 14-3-3β protein is a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) marker of neuronal damage during the development of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. In addition, increased 14-3-3β protein is also found in CSF from patients with a variety of neurological disorders. The goal of this study is to determine the roles of serum/CSF14-3-3β protein in patients with eosinophilic meningitis. Methods In a cohort study among nine Thai laborers with eosinophilic meningitis due to eating raw snails (Pomacea canaliculata), we examined the CSF weekly while patients were still hospitalized and followed up the serum for 6 months. The levels of 14-3-3β protein in CSF were analyzed by western blot and an in-house 14-3-3β enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) measurement was established and tested in an animal model of eosinophilic meningitis. Results The elevated 14-3-3β level was detected in the CSF from eight out of nine (81%) patients After 2 weeks of treatment, all patients showed a declined level or cleared of 14-3-3β protein in the CSF. By developing an in-house ELISA for measurement of 14-3-3β protein, it was found that the serum 14-3-3β level was significantly increased in patients during initial visit. . This finding was consistent to the animal experiment result in which there was severe blood brain barrier damage three weeks after infection and increased 14-3-3β protein expression in the CSF and serum by western blot and in house ELISA. After treatment, the serum 14-3-3β level in meningitis patients was rapidly returned to normal threshold. There was a correlation between initial CSF 14-3-3β level with severity of headache (r = 0.692, p = 0.039), CSF pleocytosis (r = 0.807, p = 0.009) and eosinophilia (r = 0.798, p = 0.01) in the CSF of patients with eosinophilic meningitis (Spearman’s correlation test). Conclusions The serum 14-3-3β concentrations may constitute a useful marker for blood brain barrier damage severity and follow up in patients with eosinophilic meningitis caused by A. cantonensis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hung-Chin Tsai
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, 386, Ta-Chung 1st Road, Kaohsiung 813, Taiwan.
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Chang SH, Tang P, Yen CM, Chow KPN, Wang LC. A transcriptomic analysis on gene expressions in the infective third and pathogenic fifth larval stages of Angiostrongylus cantonensis. Parasitol Int 2014; 63:42-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2013.08.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2011] [Revised: 08/12/2013] [Accepted: 08/22/2013] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Lin RJ, Yen CM, Chou TH, Chiang FY, Wang GH, Tseng YP, Wang L, Huang TW, Wang HC, Chan LP, Ding HY, Liang CH. Antioxidant, anti-adipocyte differentiation, antitumor activity and anthelmintic activities against Anisakis simplex and Hymenolepis nana of yakuchinone A from Alpinia oxyphylla. Altern Ther Health Med 2013; 13:237. [PMID: 24070160 PMCID: PMC3879407 DOI: 10.1186/1472-6882-13-237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2013] [Accepted: 09/23/2013] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Background Alpinia oxyphylla is a common remedy in traditional Chinese medicine.
Yakuchinone A is a major constituent of A. oxyphylla and
exhibits anti-inflammatory, antitumor, antibacterial, and gastric protective
activities. Methods Antioxidant and antitumor characteristics of yakuchinone A in skin cancer cells as
well as novel mechanisms for the inhibition of adipocyte differentiation,
cestocidal activities against Hymenolepis nana adults, and nematocidal
activities against Anisakis simplex larvae are investigated. Results Yakuchinone A presents the ability of the removal of DPPH·and
ABTS+ free radicals and inhibition of lipid peroxidation.
Yakuchinone A suppresses intracellular lipid accumulation during adipocyte
differentiation in 3 T3-L1 cells and the expressions of leptin and
peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ
(PPARγ). Yakuchinone A induces apoptosis and inhibits cell
proliferation in skin cancer cells. The inhibition of cell growth by yakuchinone A
is more significant for non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) cells than for melanoma
(A375 and B16) and noncancerous (HaCaT and BNLCL2) cells. Treatment BCC cells with
yakuchinone A shows down-regulation of Bcl-2, up-regulation of Bax, and an
increase in cleavage poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP). This suggests that
yakuchinone A induces BCC cells apoptosis through the Bcl-2-mediated signaling
pathway. The anthelmintic activities of yakuchinone A for A. simplex are
better than for H. nana. Conclusions In this work, yakuchinone A exhibits antioxidative properties, anti-adipocyte
differentiation, antitumor activity, and anthelmintic activities against A.
simplex and H. nana.
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Lin RJ, He JW, Chung LY, Lee JD, Wang JJ, Yen CM. Angiostrongylus cantonensis (Nematode: Metastrongiloidea): in vitro cultivation of infective third-stage larvae to fourth-stage larvae. PLoS One 2013; 8:e72084. [PMID: 23977214 PMCID: PMC3748073 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0072084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2013] [Accepted: 07/04/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study to attempt to cultivate Angiostrongylus cantonensis from third-stage larvae (AcL3) to fourth-stage larvae (AcL4) in vitro in defined complete culture medium that contained with Minimum Essential Medium Eagle (MEM), supplemented amino acid (AA), amine (AM), fatty acid (FA), carbohydrate (CA) and 20% fetal calf serum (FCS) was successful. When AcL3 were cultured in the defined complete culture medium at 37°C in a 5% CO2 atmosphere, the larvae began to develop to AcL4 after 30 days of cultivation, and were enclosed within the sheaths of the third molts of the life cycle. Under these conditions, the larvae developed uniformly and reached to the fourth-stage 36 days. The morphology of AcL3 develop to AcL4 were recording and analyzing. Then comparison of A. cantonensis larval morphology and development between in vitro cultivation in defined complete culture medium and in vivo cultivation in infective BALB/c mice. The larvae that had been cultivated in vitro were smaller than AcL4 of infective BALB/c mice. However the AcL3 that were cultured using defined incomplete culture medium (MEM plus 20% FCS with AA+AM, FA, CA, AA+AM+FA, FA+CA, CA+AA+AM or not) did not adequately survive and develop. Accordingly, the inference is made that only the defined complete medium enable AcL3 develop to AcL4 in vitro. Some nematodes have been successfully cultured into mature worms but only a few researches have been made to cultivate A. cantonensis in vitro. The present study is the first to have succeeded in developing AcL3 to AcL4 by in vitro cultivation. Finally, the results of in vitro cultivation studies herein contribute to improving media for the effective development and growth of A. cantonensis. The gap in the A. cantonensis life cycle when the larvae are cultivated in vitro from third-stage larvae to fourth-stage larvae can thus be solved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rong-Jyh Lin
- Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Jie-Wen He
- Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Li-Yu Chung
- Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - June-Der Lee
- Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Jiun-Jye Wang
- Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Chuan-Min Yen
- Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- * E-mail:
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20
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Tsai HC, Chen YS, Yen CM. Human parasitic meningitis caused by Angiostrongylus cantonensis infection in Taiwan. Hawaii J Med Public Health 2013; 72:26-27. [PMID: 23901378 PMCID: PMC3689489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
The major cause of eosinophilic meningitis in Taiwan is Angiostrongylus cantonensis. Humans are infected by ingesting terrestrial and freshwater snails and slugs. In 1998 and 1999, two outbreaks of eosinophilic meningitis caused by A. cantonensis infection were reported among 17 adult male immigrant Thai laborers who had eaten raw golden apple snails (Pomacea canaliculata). Another outbreak associated with consuming a health drink consisting of raw vegetable juice was reported in 2001. These adult cases differed from reports in the 1970s and 1980s, in which most of the cases were in children. With improvements in public health and education of foreign laborers, there have since been only sporadic cases in Taiwan. Review of clinical research indicates inconsistent association of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) results with clinical features of eosinophilic meningitis. MRI features were nonspecific but there was an association between the presence of high brain MRI signal intensities and severity of peripheral and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) eosinophilia. Inflammatory markers have been identified in the CSF of patients with eosinophilic meningitis caused by A. cantonensis infection, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), and the matrix metalloproteinase system may be associated with blood-brain barrier disruption. Eosinophilic meningitis caused by A. cantonensis infection is not a reportable disease in Taiwan. It is important that a public advisory and education program be developed to reduce future accidental infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hung-Chin Tsai
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
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Lin SJ, Foley J, Jiang TX, Yeh CY, Wu P, Foley A, Yen CM, Huang YC, Cheng HC, Chen CF, Reeder B, Jee SH, Widelitz RB, Chuong CM. Topology of feather melanocyte progenitor niche allows complex pigment patterns to emerge. Science 2013; 340:1442-5. [PMID: 23618762 DOI: 10.1126/science.1230374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Color patterns of bird plumage affect animal behavior and speciation. Diverse patterns are present in different species and within the individual. Here, we study the cellular and molecular basis of feather pigment pattern formation. Melanocyte progenitors are distributed as a horizontal ring in the proximal follicle, sending melanocytes vertically up into the epithelial cylinder, which gradually emerges as feathers grow. Different pigment patterns form by modulating the presence, arrangement, or differentiation of melanocytes. A layer of peripheral pulp further regulates pigmentation via patterned agouti expression. Lifetime feather cyclic regeneration resets pigment patterns for physiological needs. Thus, the evolution of stem cell niche topology allows complex pigment patterning through combinatorial co-option of simple regulatory mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- S J Lin
- Department of Pathology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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Tsai HC, Tseng YT, Yen CM, Chen ER, Sy CL, Lee SSJ, Wann SR, Chen YS. Brain Magnetic Resonance Imaging Abnormalities in Eosinophilic Meningitis Caused byAngiostrongylus cantonensisInfection. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2012; 12:161-6. [PMID: 21923262 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2011.0603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Hung-Chin Tsai
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, Republic of China
- National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Yu-Ting Tseng
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, Republic of China
- National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Chuan-Min Yen
- Department of Parasitology and Graduate Institute of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Eng-Rin Chen
- Department of Parasitology and Graduate Institute of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Cheng Len Sy
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, Republic of China
- National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Susan Shin-Jung Lee
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, Republic of China
- National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Shue-Ren Wann
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, Republic of China
- National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Yao-Shen Chen
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, Republic of China
- National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China
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Tsai HC, Lai PH, Sy CL, Lee SSJ, Yen CM, Wann SR, Chen YS. Encephalitis caused by Angiostrongylus cantonensis after eating raw frogs mixed with wine as a health supplement. Intern Med 2011; 50:771-4. [PMID: 21467715 DOI: 10.2169/internalmedicine.50.4193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Angiostrongylus cantonensis also known as the rat lungworm, is prevalent in the Pacific Islands and southeast Asia and is the most common cause of eosinophilic meningitis in humans. Although frogs and toads are known as paratenic hosts of A. cantonensis, they are rarely reported as the infectious source of human angiostrongyliasis. We report a case of encephalitis caused by Angiostrongylus cantonensis after eating raw frogs mixed with wine as a health supplement. Prednisolone at a dose of 1 mg/kg/day was prescribed for 14 days successfully. We advise that travelers and residents of endemic areas should avoid eating raw frogs and a public caution on the danger of eating raw wild animal products or the whole animal is recommended to alleviate such accidental infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hung-Chin Tsai
- Department of Medicine, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Taiwan
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Abstract
In this study, we investigated the anthelmintic activity of [10]-shogaol, [6]-shogaol, [10]-gingerol and [6]-gingerol, compounds isolated from the roots of Zingiber officinale L., Zingiberaceae (ginger), against Anisakis simplex. The above compounds kill or reduce spontaneous movement in A. simplex larvae. The maximum lethal efficacy of [10]-shogaol and [10]-gingerol was approximately 80% and 100%, respectively. We further examined the time course of compound-induced loss of mobility in A. simplex. The results showed that various concentrations of [10]-shogaol, [6]-shogaol, [10]-gingerol and [6]-gingerol have maximum effects on loss of spontaneous movement from 24 to 72 h. In addition, the time course of mortality and the percentage of loss of spontaneous movements were ascertained to determine the minimum effective doses of [10]-gingerol and [10]-shogaol. [10]-Gingerol exhibited a larger maximum larvicidal effect and greater loss of spontaneous movement than [10]-shogaol and albendazole. In addition, these constituents of Zingiber officinale showed effects against 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and peroxyl radicals. These constituents of Zingiber officinale are responsible for its larvicidal activity against A. simplex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rong-Jyh Lin
- Department of Parasitology, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
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Lin RJ, Chen CY, Chung LY, Yen CM. Larvicidal activities of ginger (Zingiber officinale) against Angiostrongylus cantonensis. Acta Trop 2010; 115:69-76. [PMID: 20045669 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2009.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2009] [Revised: 12/15/2009] [Accepted: 12/22/2009] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
In this study, we investigated the anthelmintic activity of [6]-gingerol, [10]-shogaol, [10]-gingerol, [6]-shogaol and hexahydrocurcumin, a constituent isolate from the roots of ginger (Zingiber officinale), for the parasite Angiostrongylus cantonensis. This study found that the above constituents killed A. cantonensis larvae or reduced their spontaneous movements in a time- and dose-dependent manner. The larvicidal effect or ability to halt spontaneous parasite movement of [10]-shogaol, [6]-gingerol, [10]-gingerol, [6]-shogaol and hexahydrocurcumin at various concentrations was reached from 24 to 72 h, respectively. Further investigation to determine minimal effective doses of [10]-gingerol and hexahydrocurcumin revealed [10]-gingerol to have a greater maximum larvicidal effect and loss of spontaneous movements than hexahydrocurcumin, mebendazole and albendazole. These constituents of ginger showed effects against DPPH and peroxyl radical under larvicidal effect. Together, these findings suggest that these constituents of ginger might be used as larvicidal agents against A. cantonensis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rong-Jyh Lin
- Department of Parasitology and Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan.
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Chung LY, Wang LC, Chen CH, Lin HY, Yen CM. Kinetic change of oxidative stress in cerebrospinal fluid of mice infected with Angiostrongylus cantonensis. Redox Rep 2010; 15:43-8. [PMID: 20196928 DOI: 10.1179/174329210x12650506623203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of C57BL/6 mice infected with Angiostrongylus cantonensis was examined for kinetic changes in oxidative stress parameters, including reactive oxygen species (ROS), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, malondialdehyde (MDA), 8-isoprostane, and 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG). The ROS increased gradually in the early stage of infection. During days 12-30 post-infection, the infected mice revealed ROS levels significantly higher than that in uninfected controls (P < 0.001). The ROS levels peaked at day 24 and then returned to that observed in uninfected controls at day 45 post-infection. The kinetics of MDA, 8-isoprostane, and 8-OHdG concentration changes observed in the CSF of the infected mice corresponded with kinetic changes in ROS levels. Thus, the excess ROS caused lipid peroxidation and DNA damage to cells in the central nervous system (CNS) of mice infected with A. cantonensis despite the increased antioxidant SOD and catalase enzyme activities during post-infection days 12-30. The oxidative stress in the CNS of C57BL/6 mice was apparently increased by diseases associated with A. cantonensis infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Yu Chung
- Department of Parasitology and Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, 80708Kaohsiung, Taiwan, Republic of China
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Chung LY, Chen CH, Wang LC, Chang SJ, Yen CM. Oxidative stress in mice infected with Angiostrongylus cantonensis coincides with enhanced glutathione-dependent enzymes activity. Exp Parasitol 2010; 126:178-83. [PMID: 20433832 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2010.04.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2009] [Revised: 01/19/2010] [Accepted: 04/20/2010] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to estimate reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, antioxidants activity, and biomarkers level of oxidative damage to protein and DNA in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of C57BL/6 mice infected with Angiostrongylus cantonensis. The mean ROS concentration in the CSF of infected mice increased gradually, and the increase in ROS in CSF became statistical significance at days 12-30 post-infection compared to that before infection (P<0.001), and then ROS returned to normal level at day 45 after infection. In parallel with the increase in ROS in the CSF, infected mice showed similar of changes in reduced glutathione (GSH), glutathione reductase (GR), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and glutathione S-transferase (GST) as that in ROS in the CSF. GSH, GR, GPx, and GST in the CSF of infected mice were all significantly higher than they were before infection during days 12-30 post-infection. However, protein carbonyl content and 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine, biomarkers of oxidative damage to protein and DNA, respectively, were also significantly higher in the CSF of infected mice during this period. These results suggest that oxidative stress occur in the cells of central nervous system of mice infected with A. cantonensis during days 12-30 after infection due to ROS overproduction in CSF despite the increase in antioxidants during this period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Yu Chung
- Department of Parasitology and Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan, ROC
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Tsai HC, Huang YL, Liu YC, Wann SR, Lee SSJ, Chen ER, Yen CM, Tai MH, Shi MH, Chen YS. Dynamic changes of hepatocyte growth factor in eosinophilic meningitis caused by Angiostrongylus cantonensis infection. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2009; 80:980-982. [PMID: 19478261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) is a member of the angiogenic growth factor family, which exerts a variety of effects on epithelial, endothelial, and neuronal cells by binding to the c-MET receptor tyrosine kinase. It was reported that HGF attenuates cerebral ischemia-induced increase in permeability of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and decreases in expression of tight junction proteins in cerebral vessels of rats. Studies on the localization of the c-Met/HGF receptor in the rat brain and the interaction with HGF after brain injuries show that HGF plays an important role as a neurotrophic factor in the brain. To assess the role of HGF in patients with eosinophilic meningitis, a retrospective, cohort study was conducted to measure the dynamic changes of HGF in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and blood of nine patients with eosinophilic meningitis. The mean HGF(CSF) at presentation, 1 week, 2 weeks, and 3 weeks after admission was 539 pg/mL, 540 pg/mL, 376 pg/mL, and 279 pg/mL, respectively. The mean level of HGF(CSF) at presentation (539 +/- 242 pg/mL) and 1 week after admission (540 +/- 213 pg/mL) was significantly higher than in controls (162 +/- 207 pg/mL)(P = 0.02 and P = 0.01, respectively). The CSF/blood ratio of HGF at presentation (0.61) was higher when compared with physiologic situations in uninfected individuals (0.51). The levels of HGF in CSF were not correlated with the amount of CSF cells or proteins. All patients recovered without neurologic sequelae. These results indicate that high concentrations of HGF in the CSF occur in eosinophilic meningitis, and may have a role in protecting against endothelial injury and reducing BBB dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hung-Chin Tsai
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan.
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Tsai HC, Huang YL, Yen CM, Chen ER, Shi MH, Chen YS, Tai MH, Lee SSJ, Wann SR, Liu YC. Dynamic Changes of Hepatocyte Growth Factor in Eosinophilic Meningitis Caused by Angiostrongylus cantonensis Infection. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2009. [DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.2009.80.980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
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Tsai HC, Liu SF, Wu KS, Liu YC, Shi MH, Chen ER, Yen CM, Lee SSJ, Huang YL, Chen YS. Dynamic changes of matrix metalloproteinase-9 in patients with Klebsiella pneumoniae meningitis. Inflammation 2008; 31:247-53. [PMID: 18553165 DOI: 10.1007/s10753-008-9071-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
To quantitate cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) concentrations of matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) in adult patients with Klebsiella pneumoniae meningitis and to correlate levels of MMP-9 with parameters of intrathecal inflammation and analyze the kinetic changes of MMP-9. In a prospective cohort study, levels of MMP-9 and tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase (TIMP-1) concentrations were measured in the CSF of six adult patients with meningitis and 11 controls. MMP-9 and TIMP-1 were detected in all of the six patients at presentation and follow up lumbar puncture. CSF levels of MMP-9 (6.71+/-7.29 ng/ml) and TIMP-1(454.3+/-242.9 ng/ml) were higher in patients than in the control group (0.07+/-0.11 ng/ml and 27.14+/-39.34 ng/ml, respectively). Levels of MMP-9 correlated with CSF concentrations of protein, cell count and lactate. Repeated lumbar punctures showed that levels of MMP-9 decrease during clinical recovery, although the levels of MMP-9 in the CSF are variable because of the small number of cases. The relative change in gelatin zymography is comparable to the changes of MMP-9 levels found in ELISA. MMP-9 levels in CSF may be a useful tool in follow-up in patients with K. pneumoniae meningitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hung-Chin Tsai
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, 386, Ta-Chung 1st Road, Kaohsiung, 813, Taiwan.
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Chen CY, Chen CH, Lo YC, Wu BN, Wang HM, Lo WL, Yen CM, Lin RJ. Anticancer activity of isoobtusilactone A from Cinnamomum kotoense: involvement of apoptosis, cell-cycle dysregulation, mitochondria regulation, and reactive oxygen species. J Nat Prod 2008; 71:933-40. [PMID: 18489163 DOI: 10.1021/np070620e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
In this study, we investigate the anticancer effect of isoobtusilactone A (IOA), a constituent isolated from the leaves of Cinnamomum kotoense, on human non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) A549 cells. IOA was found to induce the arrest of G2-M phase, induce apoptosis, increase sub-G1, and inhibit the growth of these cells. Further investigation revealed that IOA's blockade of the cell cycle was associated with increased levels of p21/WAF1, p27 (kip1), and p53. In addition, IOA triggered the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway, as indicated by an increase in Bax/Bcl-2 ratios, resulting in a loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, release of cytochrome c, activation of caspase-9 and caspase-3, and cleavage of PARP. We also found the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) to be a critical mediator in IOA-induced inhibition of A549 cell growth. In antioxidant and NO inhibitor studies, we found that by pretreating A549 cells with either N-acetylcystenine (NAC), catalase, mannitol, dexamethasone, trolox, or L-NAME we could significantly decrease IOA production of ROS. Moreover, using NAC to block ROS, we could significantly suppress IOA-induced antiproliferation, antimigration, and anti-invasion. Finally, we found that IOA inhibited the migration and invasion of A549 cell migration and invasion. Taken together, these results suggest that IOA has anticancer effects on A549 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chung-Yi Chen
- School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Fooyin UniVersity, Kaohsiung County 831, Taiwan, Republic of China
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Tsai HC, Chung LY, Chen ER, Liu YC, Lee SSJ, Chen YS, Sy CL, Wann SR, Yen CM. Association of matrix metalloproteinase-9 and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase-4 in cerebrospinal fluid with blood-brain barrier dysfunction in patients with eosinophilic meningitis caused by Angiostrongylus cantonensis. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2008; 78:20-7. [PMID: 18187780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2023] Open
Abstract
To evaluate possible blood-brain barrier (BBB) dysfunction caused by matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and its regulation by tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase (TIMPs) in patients with eosinophilic meningitis caused by infection with Angiostrongylus cantonensis, 40 patients and 28 controls were included in this study. Concentrations of MMP-2, MMP-9, TIMP-1, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF):serum albumin ratios (Q(Alb) values) were significantly increased in patients compared with controls. However, concentrations of TIMP-4 were significantly lower in patients. In contrast to MMP-2, proteolytic activity of MMP-9 detected by gelatin zymography was only observed in patients with eosinophilic meningitis. We detected higher levels of antibodies specific for A. cantonensis and higher Q(Alb) values and MMP-9 concentrations in CSF of patients with eosinophilic meningitis, Furthermore, the increase in the Q(Alb) value was significantly correlated with the increase in MMP-9 in patients. In parallel with CSF MMP-9, patients also showed an increase in CSF leukocyte counts. Gradual decreases in levels of Q(Alb), MMP-9, and TIMP-1 and increases in levels of TIMP-4 were observed in six patients during recovery from eosinophilic meningitis. These results suggest that the source of MMP-9 in CSF of patients with eosinophilic meningitis was probably associated with leukocytes migrating from peripheral blood to CSF. Activity of MMP-9 in CSF of patients could not be completely inhibited because of the decrease of TIMP-4, which may cause BBB dysfunction, as shown by higher Q(Alb) values in patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hung-Chin Tsai
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital 386, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan, Republic of China
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Tsai HC, Lee SSJ, Wann SR, Sy CL, Yen CM, Liu YC, Chung LY, Chen ER, Chen YS. Association of Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 and Tissue Inhibitors of Metalloproteinase-4 in Cerebrospinal Fluid with Blood-Brain Barrier Dysfunction in Patients with Eosinophilic Meningitis Caused by Angiostrongylus cantonensis. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2008. [DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.2008.78.20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
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Tsai HC, Liu YC, Lee SSJ, Chen ER, Yen CM. Vascular endothelial growth factor is associated with blood brain barrier dysfunction in eosinophilic meningitis caused by Angiostrongylus cantonensis infection. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2007; 76:592-5. [PMID: 17360889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a potent vascular permeability factor and a mediator of brain edema. To assess the role of vascular endothelial growth factor in eosinophilic meningitis, vascular endothelial growth factor was measured in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and blood of 9 patients with eosinophilic meningitis in a cohort study. VEGFCSF was detected in 8 (90%) of 9 eosinophilic meningitis patients (range, 45-2190 pg/mL) at presentation. The mean VEGFCSF at presentation, 1 week, and 2 weeks after admission was 568 pg/mL, 751 pg/mL, and 1031 pg/mL, respectively. There was an association between VEGFCSF, CSF protein, white cell count, and eosinophil counts. The VEGFSERUM fluctuated during the 6-month follow-up period. These results indicate that vascular endothelial growth factor may be associated with blood-brain barrier disruption in patients with eosinophilic meningitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hung-Chin Tsai
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung City, and National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China.
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Lai CH, Yen CM, Chin C, Chung HC, Kuo HC, Lin HH. Eosinophilic meningitis caused by Angiostrongylus cantonensis after ingestion of raw frogs. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2007; 76:399-402. [PMID: 17297055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Angiostrongylus cantonensis is the most common cause of eosinophilic meningitis in humans after ingestion of raw or inadequately cooked intermediate hosts or food contaminated with infective third-stage larvae. Frogs are known to be a paratenic host of A. cantonensis, but have never been reported as the infectious source of human angiostrongyliasis in Taiwan. We report the first case of eosinophilic meningitis caused by A. cantonensis after ingestion of raw frogs (Rana plancyi).
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Affiliation(s)
- Chung-Hsu Lai
- Department of Infectious Diseases, E-Da Hospital/I-Shou University, Kaohsiung County, Taiwan, Republic of China.
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Abstract
Diphyllobothriasis latum is an intestinal parasitosis caused by the ingestion of mostly raw fresh-water fish containing plerocercoids of Diphyllobothrium latum. We report an 8-year-old boy who came to our hospital with the complaint of a tapeworm hanging from the anus after defecation. The other symptom was mild abdominal cramping for a period of 1 year. The laboratory examination did not reveal anemia or vitamin B12 deficiency. Examination of gravid proglottids with rosette-like central uterus and typically operculated eggs of D. latum confirmed the diagnosis. The morphologic characters of proglottids and eggs size are compatible with D. latum. The patient had a history of eating uncooked fish for 1 year. Salmonids may be the infection source. He was treated with two doses of praziquantel and passed about 183 cm in length of all proglottids. There is a high prevalence of diphyllobothriasis latum in the northern temperate areas, but it is very rare in children. This patient is the first child case reported in Taiwan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsiao-Feng Chou
- Department of Pediatrics, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Taiwan
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Lee JD, Tsai LY, Chen CH, Wang JJ, Hsiao JK, Yen CM. Blood-brain barrier dysfunction occurring in mice infected with Angiostrongylus cantonensis. Acta Trop 2006; 97:204-11. [PMID: 16332352 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2005.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2005] [Revised: 08/24/2005] [Accepted: 11/07/2005] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Several indices were used to assess whether blood-brain barrier (BBB) damage occurs in neurological disorders. Dysfunction of the BBB was surmised to be involved in the pathological changes of eosinophilic meningitis caused by the infection of Angiostrongylus cantonensis. The mean concentration of protein and albumin in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of infected mice gradually increased from days 0 to 18 after infection and then rapidly increased 21 days after infection. The concentrations of protein and albumin in the CSF of infected mice 15 days after infection were all significantly higher than those in uninfected mice (all P-values at least <0.05). Parallel with the increase in protein and albumin in the CSF, infected mice showed a gradual increase in their CSF/serum protein and albumin ratios. The increase became significant at days 21 and 18 after infection, respectively (P<0.01 and P<0.05, respectively). The higher the worm counts in the brain, the higher the CSF/serum albumin ratio was observed in infected mice at day 21 after infection (P<0.001). In addition, the ratios of the CSF/serum albumin were positively correlated with the worm counts in the brain (P<0.001). The total leukocyte and eosinophil counts were also positively correlated with ratios of CSF/serum albumin (P<0.01). The amount of Evans blue in the brain of mice 21 days after infection from peripheral blood via BBB became significantly increased than those in uninfected mice (P<0.001). Thus, the evidence of high concentrations of protein and albumin, high leukocyte counts in CSF, high ratio of CSF/serum protein and albumin, and high permeability of BBB show that dysfunction of the BBB occurred in mice infected with A. cantonensis.
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Affiliation(s)
- June-Der Lee
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Taiwan
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Tsai HC, Lee SSJ, Wann SR, Chen YS, Chen ER, Yen CM, Liu YC. Colon perforation with peritonitis in an acquired immunodeficiency syndrome patient due to cytomegalovirus and amoebic colitis. J Formos Med Assoc 2005; 104:839-42. [PMID: 16496064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Invasive amoebiasis is rarely seen in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected individuals, even in endemic areas. By contrast, cytomegalovirus (CMV) disease is recognized as a major clinical problem in acquired immunodeficiency syndrome patients. A 34-year-old HIV-infected man with amoeba colitis, disseminated Mycobacterium avian complex and CMV infection with cecum perforation, presented with the initial symptoms of fever, shortness of breath and painful sensation when swallowing. He was treated with fluconazole, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole and hydrocortisone under the impression of esophageal candidiasis and Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia. However, diarrhea and abdominal pain developed on day 6 of hospitalization. Invasive amoebiasis and CMV colitis was diagnosed after examination of colon pathological specimens. Emergent laparotomy was performed. Right hemicolectomy with double barrel ileostomy and colostomy was done due to perforation of the cecum. Iodoquinol was given, followed by metronidazole 14 days afterwards. He underwent closure of double barrel ileostomy and colostomy 5 months later. This case illustrates the diagnostic challenge of caring for acquired immunodeficiency syndrome persons with multiple illnesses and medication use. CMV infection, amoebic colitis and possibly corticosteroid may have played a role in colon perforation in our patient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hung-Chin Tsai
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung, and National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
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Chen YS, Hsiao YS, Lin HH, Yen CM, Chen SC, Chen YL. Immunogenicity and anti-Burkholderia pseudomallei activity in Balb/c mice immunized with plasmid DNA encoding flagellin. Vaccine 2005; 24:750-8. [PMID: 16169637 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2005.08.069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2005] [Accepted: 08/16/2005] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Plasmid DNA encoding the flagella protein (flagellin) was used as a vaccination candidate for the evaluation of its immunogenicity and for protection against infection with Burkholderia pseudomallei. Firstly, flagellin encoding plasmid DNA was injected into Balb/c mice intramuscularly and this elicited both a humoral and a cellular immune response. Total IgG production and the clonal expansion of the spleen cells increased in response to flagellin. The IgG subclass response exhibited a dominance of IgG2a over IgG1 in the sera. In addition, IFN-gamma-secreting cells in the spleen were substantially increased. Furthermore, the anti-B. pseudomallei activity of the peritoneal exudate cells was evaluated by a Transwell tissue-culture plate system where the macrophage-activating related cytokines in upper chamber were allowed to cross the plate's membrane and stimulate the activation of peritoneal exudate cells in lower chamber. Our results indicated that the activated peritoneal exudate cells were able to restrict the growth of B. pseudomallei in vitro. Indeed, subsequent intravenous challenge of the vaccinated Balb/c mice with 10(5)CFU of B. pseudomallei resulted in the number of bacterial cells detected in liver and/or spleen being significantly reduced in the flagellin plasmid DNA vaccinated mice. At 7 days subsequent to infection of B. pseudomallei, 5/6 (83%) of flagellin plasmid DNA vaccinated mice had survived. We suggest that plasmid DNA-encoding flagellin might be useful as a potential immunization route for the future development of a vaccine against melioidosis in related animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao-Shen Chen
- Section of Infectious Disease, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
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Lee JD, Yen CM. Protease secreted by the infective larvae of angiostrongylus cantonensis and its role in the penetration of mouse intestine. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2005; 72:831-6. [PMID: 15964972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The infective third-stage larvae of Angiostrongylus cantonensis secrete a proteolytic enzyme that is thought to be essential for both larval penetration into the intestinal wall of the host and full development. Protease activity in these larvae during culture in vitro was determined by zymography, pH optimum, and substrate and inhibitor specificity. Excretory-secretory (ES) products of the third-stage larvae showed protease activity as three bands with molecular masses of 66, 30, and 23 kD by gelatin zymography. The optimal pH value for this protease activity was 10.0. The protease was found to have collagenolytic as well as elastinolytic activity, but these activities were inhibited by serine protease or metalloprotease inhibitors. The importance of this protease in larval penetration of the intestinal wall and entering the blood stream was observed in vitro by cocultured third-stage larvae of A. cantonensis with specific protease inhibitors in the intestines of BALB/c mice. The penetration rates of larvae significantly decreased when serine protease or metalloprotease inhibitors were added to the intestines. These results showed that serine protease and metalloprotease in ES products of A. cantonensis third-stage larvae are associated with larval penetration of the intestinal walls of mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- June-Der Lee
- Department of Parasitology, Kaohsiung Medical University, Taiwan
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Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM The relation of helminthic infestation to hepatolithiasis is a subject of dispute. This case-control study was undertaken to evaluate the prevalence of helminthiasis in hepatolithiasis patients and to compare the clinicopathological features of hepatolithiasis between patients with and without helminthiasis. METHODS The prevalence of ascariasis or clonorchiasis was evaluated using ELISA in 131 patients with hepatolithiasis who were treated at Show-Chwan Memorial Hospital and 121 subjects who constituted a control group. The patients' detailed histories and medical charts were reviewed. RESULTS The prevalence of positive immunodiagnosis of ascariasis and clonorchiasis was higher in patients with hepatolithiasis than in control subjects (33.6%, 44/131 vs 17.4%, 21/121, odds ratio [OR] = 2.41, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.28-4.56, P = 0.005; and 6.9%, 9/131 v 0.8%, 1/121, OR = 8.85, 95% CI = 1.12-188.69, P = 0.02). Patients with helminthiasis rarely had concurrent gallbladder stones (26%, 12/47 vs 55%, 46/84, OR = 0.28, 95% CI = 0.12-0.66, P = 0.002). Prior to the diagnosis of hepatolithiasis in adulthood, most of the patients with helminthiasis tended to have a history of recurrent abdominal pain in their childhood and an asymptomatic 'lucid interval' during their teenage years (70.2%, 33/47 vs 39.3%, 33/84, OR = 3.64, 95% CI = 1.59-8.42, P = 0.0005). However, the prevalence of intrahepatic duct stricture (38.3%, 18/47 vs 40.5%, 34/84, OR = 0.91, 95% CI = 0.41-2.02, P > 0.05), secondary biliary cirrhosis (6.4%, 3/47 vs 3.6%, 3/84, OR = 1.84, 95% CI = 0.28-12.03, P > 0.05), cholangiocarcinoma (2.1%, 1/47 vs 0%, 0/84, OR = approximately , P > 0.05), and stone recurrence (54.8%, 24/42 vs 50.0%, 38/76, OR = 1.33, 95% CI = 0.58-3.06, P > 0.05) did not significantly increase. CONCLUSIONS Helminthiasis is a possible risk factor for hepatolithiasis, although it is unlikely to increase the incidence of complications, including bile duct stricture, secondary biliary cirrhosis, and cholangiocarcinoma. Patients with helminthiasis tend to have a history of an asymptomatic 'lucid interval' between the periods of recurrent abdominal pain in their childhood and the diagnosis of hepatolithiasis in their adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min-Ho Huang
- Digestive Disease Center, Show-Chwan Memorial Hospital, Changhua, Taiwan
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Tsai HC, Lee SSJ, Huang CK, Yen CM, Chen ER, Liu YC. Outbreak of eosinophilic meningitis associated with drinking raw vegetable juice in southern Taiwan. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2004; 71:222-6. [PMID: 15306715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The most common cause of eosinophilic meningitis is the rat lungworm Angiostrongylus cantonensis a parasite that is endemic in the southeast Asian and Pacific regions. Outbreaks of eosinophilic meningitis associated with drinking raw vegetable juice are rarely reported, even in regions of endemic infection. We performed a cohort study among Taiwanese with eosinophilic meningitis who drank raw vegetable juice within three months of the onset of the outbreak. Clinical manifestations, laboratory examinations, and outcomes were prospectively followed. Five native Taiwanese met the case definition of eosinophilic meningitis. Specific antibodies to A. cantonensis were detected in the serum of five of the patients and in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of four of the patients. Central nervous system manifestations included headache (n = 5 [100%]), Brudzinski's sign/stiff neck (n = 5 [100%]), hyperesthesia/paresthesias (n = 5 [100%]), and cranial nerve palsy (n = 1 [20%]). Laboratory findings included peripheral (n = 5 [100%]) and CSF eosinophilia (n = 4 [80%]), transient increases in the white blood cell count (n = 1 [20%]), and in serum levels of creatine kinase (n = 1 [20%]). Meningeal enhancement, as well as high signal intensity, at the subcortical white matter on T2 weighted and fluid attenuated inversion recovery images were observed on magnetic resonance imaging in four patients. There were three episodes of relapse during treatment and all resolved with after a lumbar puncture and/or administration of steroids. At the 12-month follow up, all five patients had recovered without neurologic sequelae. Risk factors identification showed that consumption of raw vegetable juice was associated with illness (Pearson correlation test r = 0.867, P = 0.01). There was association between the presence of raw vegetable juice and CSF eosinophilia (Spearman's correlation test r = 0.816, P = 0.004).
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Affiliation(s)
- Hung-Chin Tsai
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, Republic of China.
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Chen CH, Huang YL, Yen CM. The influence of zinc in mice on infection with Angiostrongylus cantonensis. Parasitol Res 2004; 94:74-81. [PMID: 15338294 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-004-1176-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2004] [Accepted: 06/25/2004] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BALB/cByJ mice were divided into zinc-deficient (ZD), high zinc-supplemented (ZH), adequately zinc-replete (ZA) and normal control groups by daily dietary control. The body weight in ZD and ZH mice became significantly less than that of normal control mice from 4 weeks (P < 0.002) until 7 weeks (P < 0.0001) after consecutive zinc control. The kinetics of change in body weight of ZD and ZH mice after infection with Angiostrongylus cantonensis were similar to that of uninfected groups mentioned above. The worms recovered at days 7, 14 and 21 after infection from ZD and ZH mice were significantly more in number than that in control mice (P < 0.01). However, the worms from day 21 after infection were shorter in size than those in control mice (P < 0.01). The production of interleukin (IL)-5 was significantly depressed in cultured spleen cells from uninfected and infected ZD and ZH mice, compared with that from respective control group (P < or = 0.02). Furthermore, significantly lower eosinophil counts were observed in the cerebral spinal fluid(CSF) of ZD and ZH mice 3 weeks after infection than in the CSF of control mice (P < 0.001). The levels of immunoglobulins IgG, IgM, IgA and IgE in the supernatant of cultivated spleen cells and serum from ZD and ZH mice were all lower than those of control mice. Thus, the level of zinc correlated with the defence against infection by A. cantonensis, due to the influence of zinc on the growth of mice and their production of IL-5, eosinophils and immunoglobulins.
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Chang EE, Yen CM. Eosinophil chemoattracted by eotaxin from cerebrospinal fluid of mice infected with Angiostrongylus cantonensis assayed in a microchamber. Kaohsiung J Med Sci 2004; 20:209-15. [PMID: 15233231 DOI: 10.1016/s1607-551x(09)70108-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
When non-permissive hosts are infected with Angiostrongylus cantonensis, the migration of the worms to the brain and their subsequent development manifests as marked eosinophilic pleocytosis. We used microchambers to demonstrate direct eosinophil chemotactic activity by adding a variety of antibodies into cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of BALB/c mice 21 days post-infection with A. cantonensis. The antibodies were directed to neutralize eotaxin, RANTES (regulated on activation, normal T-cells expressed and secreted), macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)-1alpha, and platelet-activating factor (PAF), respectively. Eosinophil migration into the polycarbonate membrane covering CSF with anti-eotaxin or anti-MIP-1alpha antibodies was significantly lower than that for antibody-free CSF (Student's t test: p < 0.01, p < 0.05). We also collected CSF from mice 21 days after infection with 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 third-stage larvae (L3) respectively for dose-dependent testing, and 40 L3 at days 7, 14, and 21 after infection for time-dependent testing. Chemokine production in CSF was affected by A. cantonensis infection intensity and post-infection time. In conclusion, eotaxin and MIP-1alpha released in the CSF of A. cantonensis-infected mice have eosinophil chemotactic activity in this in vitro assay.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eddy Essen Chang
- Department of Parasitology, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
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Abstract
Abstract
Background: Definitive diagnosis of infestation with Angiostrongylus cantonensis is difficult because the parasitic nematode is undetectable in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of one-half of afflicted patients and the diagnostic sensitivity of ELISA for circulating worm antigens in patient sera is low. We studied immuno-PCR as a diagnostic tool.
Methods: We studied 30 controls and 60 afflicted patients (30 confirmed by parasitologic analysis of CSF). We used a monoclonal antibody to capture circulating A. cantonensis antigens in serum samples. A DNA label generated by PCR amplification with biotinylated primer was bound by use of streptavidin to a biotinylated third antibody. Circulating antigens sandwiched by monoclonal antibody were detected by PCR amplification of the DNA label.
Results: The detection limit of the ELISA was 100–1000 times higher than that of the immuno-PCR. The concentrations of circulating antigens in patients were markedly higher than those in controls (Wilcoxon rank-sum test, P <0.001). At a cutoff of 0.1 ng/L, sensitivity and specificity for immunodiagnosis of patients with angiostrongyliasis by immuno-PCR were 98% (95% confidence interval, 91–99%) and 100% (93–100%), respectively. The test was positive in all parasitologically confirmed cases.
Conclusions: Immuno-PCR is a promising technique for diagnosis of A. cantonensis infestation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soi-Moi Chye
- Department of Medical Technology, Fooyin University, 151 Chinhsuen Road, Ta-Liao Hsiang, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, ROC.
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Chang EE, Chung LY, Yen CM. Kinetics of change in the eotaxin concentration in serum and cerebrospinal fluid of mice infected with Angiostrongylus cantonensis. Parasitol Res 2003; 92:137-41. [PMID: 14648203 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-003-1017-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2003] [Accepted: 09/11/2003] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
The kinetics of changes in the eotaxin concentration in the serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of BALB/c mice after infection with Angiostrongylus cantonensis and the correlation between the concentration of eotaxin and worm recovery were investigated. The mean concentration of eotaxin in serum of infected mice gradually increased from 46.3+/-6.5 pg/ml at week 0 to 104.9+/-44.8 pg/ml at week 3 after infection, while the mean eotaxin level in the CSF of infected mice rapidly increased from 18.7+/-2.1 pg/ml to 193.2+/-23.6 pg/ml 1 week after infection and then increased further to 507.8+/-167.9 pg/ml at week 3. The concentrations of eotaxin in the CSF of infected mice each week after infection were all significantly higher than those in serum ( P<0.0001). In parallel with the increase in eotaxin in the CSF, infected mice showed gradual increases in CSF eosinophilia and a reduction in intracranial worm recovery. The concentration of eotaxin in CSF was higher in infected mice with more worms in the brain, except when the number of worms in the brain was >30. In addition, when the worm counts in the brains of infected mice were <30, eotaxin concentrations in the CSF were positively correlated with worm counts in the brain ( P<0.001). Thus, the release of eotaxin in the CSF of mice infected with A. cantonensis observed in this study was time dependent and worm-load dependent, and in parallel with the increase in eotaxin in the CSF, and gradual decreases in worm counts in the brains of infected mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eddy Essen Chang
- Department of Parasitology, Kaohsiung Medical University, 100 Shih-Chuan 1st Road, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan, Taiwan
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Wang JJ, Chung LY, Lee JD, Chang EE, Chen ER, Chao D, Yen CM. Haplorchis infections in intermediate hosts from a clonorchiasis endemic area in Meinung, Taiwan, Republic of China. J Helminthol 2002; 76:185-8. [PMID: 12015833 DOI: 10.1079/joh2002114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Snails and freshwater fish were examined from four ponds in the Meinung township in which Clonorchis sinensis was known to be endemic 18 years ago. No metacercariae were found in 478 Tilapia nilotica, whereas of 451 Ctenopharyngodon idellus examined, 16.2%, 3.3% and 0.9% were found to be infected with Haplorchis pumilio, H. taichui and Clonorchis sinensis, respectively. In addition, there were some unidentified metacercariae in 12.0% of Ctenopharyngodon idellus examined. Overall, no positive correlation between infection rates and sizes of infected fish was shown. Six species of snails were collected in this survey and two frequently-occurring snails, Melanoides tuberculata and Thiara granifera were commonly infected with H. pumilio. Reasons for the prevalence of Haplorchis species and the absence of Clonorchis sinensis in fish and snail hosts in a previously reported endemic area for human clonorchiasis are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiun-Jye Wang
- Department of Parasitology, Kaohsiung Medical University, Taiwan, Republic of China
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Tsai HC, Lee SS, Liu YC, Lin WR, Huang CK, Chen YS, Wann SR, Tsai TH, Lin HH, Yen MY, Yen CM, Chen ER. Clinical manifestations of strongyloidiasis in southern Taiwan. J Microbiol Immunol Infect 2002; 35:29-36. [PMID: 11950117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Abstract
The diagnosis and management of strongyloidiasis present a continuous challenge in developing countries including Taiwan. In this study, the clinical characteristics and microbiological findings of 27 patients with Strongyloides stercoralis infection were retrospectively analyzed. Intestinal infection was identified in 17 patients and hyperinfection syndrome or disseminated disease in 10 (including 2 autopsy cases). The most frequent clinical findings were diarrhea (74%), fever (70%), abdominal pain (59%), cough (37%), dyspnea (33%), and constipation (26%). The common initial laboratory abnormalities were leukocytosis (81%), anemia (67%), liver function impairment (52%), and eosinophilia (44%). Most of the 27 patients had comorbid conditions, including malnutrition in 20 (74%), corticosteroid dependence in 15 (55%), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in 9 (33%), chronic liver disease or cirrhosis in 8 (30%), and peptic ulcer disease in 7 (26%). There was no difference in the time interval from symptom onset to diagnosis between the intestinal infection group and the hyperinfection/disseminated group (22 +/- 15 vs 17 +/- 9 days). Larvae of S. stercoralis were identified in the stool of 24 patients, in the sputum smear of 5, in the gastric biopsy of one, and on histology of autopsy specimens in 2. Twenty-six patients received antiparasitic drug therapy of variable duration (mebendazole in 24, albendazole in 2, combined therapy in one). The overall cure rate was 52% (14/27). Relapse occurred in 4 patients. The overall mortality was 26% (7/27). There was a high mortality (up to 50%) in the hyperinfection/disseminated disease group. In conclusion, diagnosis of strongyloidiasis is often delayed and overlooked because of nonspecific symptoms. Physicians in endemic regions should include strongyloidiasis in the differential diagnosis when patients present with gastrointestinal and/or pulmonary symptoms with peripheral eosinophilia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hung-Chin Tsai
- Department of Medicine, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Taiwan, ROC
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Tsai HC, Liu YC, Kunin CM, Lee SS, Chen YS, Lin HH, Tsai TH, Lin WR, Huang CK, Yen MY, Yen CM. Eosinophilic meningitis caused by Angiostrongylus cantonensis: report of 17 cases. Am J Med 2001; 111:109-14. [PMID: 11498063 DOI: 10.1016/s0002-9343(01)00766-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To describe two outbreaks of Angiostrongylus cantonensis infection that occurred in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, during 1998 and 1999, and to characterize the source of the outbreaks and the clinical manifestations of the disease. SUBJECTS AND METHODS We performed a retrospective cohort study among Thai laborers with eosinophilic meningitis who ate raw snails (Ampullarium canaliculatus), as well as an environmental surveillance of larvae in snails. RESULTS We enrolled 17 Thai laborers in whom severe headache and eosinophilia developed within 4 to 23 days after eating raw snails. Twelve (71%) developed eosinophilic meningitis. Third-stage larvae were found in the cerebrospinal fluids of 2 patients and in all 12 tested snails. Specific antibodies to A. cantonensis were detected in serum from 16 of the patients and in cerebrospinal fluid from 5 of the patients. Central nervous system manifestations included headache (n = 17 [100%]), fever (n = 11 [65%]), Brudzinski's sign/stiff neck (n = 11 [65%]), hyperesthesia (n = 3 [18%]), cranial nerve palsy (n = 2 [12%]), diplopia (n = 2 [12%]), and ataxia (n = 1 [6%]). Laboratory findings included peripheral eosinophilia (n = 15 [88%]) and cerebrospinal fluid eosinophilia (n = 12 [71%]); elevated immunoglobulin (Ig) E levels (n = 13 [100%]); and transient increases in white blood cell count (n = 7 [41%]) and in serum levels of creatine kinase (n = 7 [41%]), transaminase (n = 3 [18%]), and lactate dehydrogenase (n = 2 [12%]). The severity of illness and eosinophilia were correlated with the number of ingested snails. Meningeal and basal ganglion enhancement was noted on magnetic resonance imaging in several patients. Treatment with mebendazole combined with glucocorticosteroids appeared to shorten the course of the infection, but not the number of relapses. The eosinophil count fell to normal within 3 months, but IgE levels remained elevated for as long as 6 months. All patients recovered with minimal neurologic sequelae. CONCLUSION Eosinophilic meningitis caused by A. cantonensis should be considered in patients who have headache or central nervous system manifestations after eating raw snails.
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Affiliation(s)
- H C Tsai
- Department of Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, Veterans General Hospital-Kaohsiung, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
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Lin JN, Yen CM, Liu CS, Tsai MS, Kuo KK. Hepatic Schistosomiasis japonica in a patient with gallstones and bile duct stones--a case report. Kaohsiung J Med Sci 2001; 17:437-40. [PMID: 11715844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis, a common parasitic disease in many countries, is found as imported cases in Taiwan. Responsible for human infections are five species, one of which, Schistosoma japonicum, is currently endemic in China and South-east Asia. Chronic infection with S. japonicum may lead to the development of liver fibrosis, calcification and portal hypertension. Under investigation by sonography and computed tomography (CT) scan, a peculiar "turtle-back" appearance of liver fibrosis and calcification may be found. Herein, we report a case referred to our department due to jaundice. The sonography of liver showed typical "turtle-back" appearance. Gallstones and bile duct stones were also found in this case. Surgical interventions with percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD), cholecystectomy and choledocholithotomy were performed to relieve the obstructive jaundice and remove the stones. There were no parasitic eggs in the extracted stones or in drained bile juice. However, deposits of calcified S. japonicum eggs in liver parenchyma and portal tracts were identified in liver biopsy. No special treatment was given for the schistosomiasis japonica because the calcified parasitic eggs were the sequelae of past infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- J N Lin
- Department of Emergency, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
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