scholarly journals CXCR3-dependent immune pathology in mice following infection with Toxoplasma gondii during early pregnancy

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Akari Nishida ◽  
Rina Ikeda ◽  
Hidefumi Furuoka ◽  
Yoshifumi Nishikawa
Keyword(s):  
Toxoplasma Gondii ◽  
Early Pregnancy ◽  
Immune Cells ◽  
Disease Onset ◽  
Fetal Loss ◽  
Congenital Toxoplasmosis ◽  
Parasite Load ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Immune Pathology ◽  
Embryo Resorption

Toxoplasmosis is a worldwide zoonosis caused by the obligate intracellular parasite, Toxoplasma gondii. The symptoms of congenital toxoplasmosis range from embryonic death and resorption to subclinical infection, but the mechanism of disease onset remains unclear. The C-X-C motif chemokine receptor 3 (CXCR3) is highly expressed in Th1-associated immune cells and plays an important role in the trafficking and activation of immune cells. However, the roles of CXCR3 in T. gondii-induced fetal loss and the molecular mechanism of embryo resorption remain poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the role of CXCR3 in fetal wastage caused by T. gondii infection using CXCR3-deficient (CXCR3−/−) mice. CXCR3−/− and wild-type pregnant mice were inoculated intraperitoneally with T. gondii tachyzoites on day 3.5 of gestation (Gd3.5). Pregnancy rates decreased as the pregnancy progressed in both infected groups; however, infected CXCR3−/− mice showed a significant fetal loss at Gd13.5 compared with Gd7.5. All embryos of the infected groups showed necrosis, and embryo resorption was significantly increased in infected CXCR3−/− compared with wild-type mice at Gd13.5. The parasite load of fetoplacental tissues was significantly increased in CXCR3−/− mice at Gd10.5. Moreover, mRNA expression levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase were significantly increased in fetoplacental tissues from infected wild-type mice compared to infected CXCR3−/− mice following the infection. These results suggested that CXCR3-dependent immune responses provide anti-Toxoplasma activity and play an essential role in reducing embryo resorption and fetal loss caused by T. gondii infection during early pregnancy.

scholarly journals Toll-Like Receptor 2 is Involved in Abnormal Pregnancy in Mice Infected with Toxoplasma gondii During Late Pregnancy

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rina Ikeda ◽  
Nanako Ushio ◽  
Ahmed M. Abdou ◽  
Hidefumi Furuoka ◽  
Yoshifumi Nishikawa
Keyword(s):  
Toxoplasma Gondii ◽  
Premature Birth ◽  
Disease Onset ◽  
Congenital Toxoplasmosis ◽  
Late Pregnancy ◽  
Toll Like Receptor ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Abnormal Pregnancy ◽  
Toll Like Receptor 2

Infection with Toxoplasma gondii during pregnancy causes failure of pregnancy maintenance, resulting in fetal death, abortion, stillbirth, or premature birth, but the mechanism of disease onset remains unclear. Although Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) is expressed on antigen-presenting cells and trophoblasts, the role of TLR2 in T. gondii infection during pregnancy is unknown. In this study, we investigated the role of TLR2 in congenital toxoplasmosis using TLR2-deficient (TLR2−/−) mice. T. gondii infection on gestational day 12.5 (Gd12.5) induced more abnormal pregnancy, including premature birth and stillbirth, in wild-type mice than in TLR2−/− mice. Multiple calcifications were observed in the placentas of the infected wild-type mice. At Gd18.5 (6days postinfection), the parasite numbers in the placenta and uterus and the histological changes did not differ significantly between the wild-type and TLR2−/− mice. However, T. gondii infection reduced the mRNA expression of interleukin-12p40 (IL-12p40) and increased IL-4 and IL-10 mRNAs in the placentas of the wild-type mice. In contrast, the placentas of the TLR2−/− mice showed no changes in the expression of these cytokines, including IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor α, in response to T. gondii infection. Serum interferon-γ levels were significantly lower in the infected TLR2−/− mice than in the infected wild-type mice on Gd18.5. Thus, the TLR2−/− mice were less susceptible to the induction of immune responses by T. gondii infection during late pregnancy. Therefore, TLR2 signaling may play a role in the development of disease states during pregnancy, specifically placental hypofunction.

scholarly journals CCR5 Is Involved in Interruption of Pregnancy in Mice Infected with Toxoplasma gondii during Early Pregnancy

2017 ◽  
Vol 85 (9) ◽  
Author(s):  
Maki Nishimura ◽  
Kousuke Umeda ◽  
Masayuki Suwa ◽  
Hidefumi Furuoka ◽  
Yoshifumi Nishikawa
Keyword(s):  
Toxoplasma Gondii ◽  
Early Pregnancy ◽  
Parasite Burden ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Necrosis Factor Alpha ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Pregnant Mice ◽  
Implantation Sites ◽  
Factor Alpha ◽  
Embryo Loss

ABSTRACT Toxoplasmosis can cause abortion in pregnant humans and other animals; however, the mechanism of abortion remains unknown. C-C chemokine receptor type 5 (CCR5) is essential for host defense against Toxoplasma gondii infection. To investigate the relationship between CCR5 and abortion in toxoplasmosis, we inoculated wild-type and CCR5-deficient (CCR5−/−) mice with T. gondii tachyzoites intraperitoneally on day 3 of pregnancy (embryonic day 3 [E3]). The pregnancy rate decreased as pregnancy progressed in infected wild-type mice. Histopathologically, no inflammatory lesions were observed in the fetoplacental tissues. Although wild-type mice showed a higher parasite burden at the implantation sites than did CCR5−/− mice at E6 (3 days postinfection [dpi]), T. gondii antigen was detected only in the uterine tissue and not in the fetoplacental tissues. At E8 (5 dpi), the embryos in infected wild-type mice showed poor development compared with those of infected CCR5−/− mice, and apoptosis was observed in poorly developed embryos. Compared to uninfected mice, infected wild-type mice showed increased CCR5 expression at the implantation site at E6 and E8. Furthermore, analyses of mRNA expression in the uterus of nonpregnant and pregnant mice suggested that a lack of the CCR5 gene and the downregulation of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and CCL3 expression at E6 (3 dpi) are important factors for the maintenance of pregnancy following T. gondii infection. These results suggested that CCR5 signaling is involved in embryo loss in T. gondii infection during early pregnancy and that apoptosis is associated with embryo loss rather than direct damage to the fetoplacental tissues.

146. MACROPHAGES ARE ESSENTIAL FOR MAINTENANCE OF EARLY PREGNANCY THROUGH REGULATION OF CORPUS LUTEUM FUNCTION

2009 ◽  
Vol 21 (9) ◽  
pp. 64
Author(s):  
A. S. Care ◽  
M. J. Jasper ◽  
W. V. Ingman ◽  
S. A. Robertson
Keyword(s):  
Corpus Luteum ◽  
Early Pregnancy ◽  
Ovarian Tissue ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Fetal Loss ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Tissue Remodelling ◽  
Serum Progesterone ◽  
Implantation Sites ◽  
The Impact

Macrophages are abundant within the ovary, and have been identified in the corpus luteum (CL) of most species studied, including in rodents and human. Through their secretory products, macrophages are thought to be involved in ovarian tissue remodelling, including luteinization, and in regulating steroidogenesis [1, 2]. Macrophages co-cultured with granulosa or luteal cells act to stimulate progesterone secretion [3]. To determine the impact of macrophage ablation during early pregnancy, we utilised the macrophage specific CD11b-DTR diphtheria toxin receptor (DTR) transgenic mouse to cause transient systemic ablation of macrophages via the administration of DT (25 ng/g). The effects of macrophage ablation during the pre-implantation phase of pregnancy were evaluated and implantation sites were counted. Ablation of macrophages on day 1 pc (n=13 wild-type; n=9 CD11b-DTR) or day 4 pc (n=6 CD11b-DTR; n=9 wild-type) caused complete pregnancy loss in all DT-treated CD11b-DTR mice, while wild-type mice maintained viable pregnancies [mean ± SEM implantation sites = 5.0 ± 1.4 (day 1 treated), and 6.0 ± 1.9 (day 4 treated)]. Serum progesterone was analysed 24 h following macrophage ablation. A single DT injection on day 3 pc significantly reduced serum progesterone (P4) levels [n=7 wild-type P4 (ng/ml)= 29.6 ± 3.3; n=8 CD11b-DTR = 11.1 ± 2.1]. The administration of exogenous P4 (2 mg) on each of day 4-7 pc prevented fetal loss in DT-treated CD11b-DTR mice (n=6; implantation sites = 7.8 ± 1.6), while no pregnancies remained viable in DT-treated mice administered vehicle only (n=9). In conclusion, luteal insufficiency appears to be the cause of pregnancy failure following macrophage ablation. These data indicate a critical role for macrophages in corpus luteum function in early pregnancy.

Toxoplasma gondii

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rima McLeod ◽  
Kelsey Wheeler ◽  
Pauline Levigne ◽  
Kenneth Boyer
Keyword(s):  
Toxoplasma Gondii ◽  
Correct Diagnosis ◽  
Fetal Loss ◽  
Congenital Toxoplasmosis ◽  
Congenital Infection ◽  
Screening Programs ◽  
Fetal Infection ◽  
Potential Risks ◽  
Mother To Child ◽  
The Brain

Mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of the parasite Toxoplasma gondii can result in congenital toxoplasmosis. Untreated congenital toxoplasmosis presents considerable potential risks to patients and costs for society, with manifestations recurring throughout life. Infection with T. gondii, acquired at any time during pregnancy can damage the fetus, but especially during early gestation. Fetal infection with T. gondii can cause fetal loss, intrauterine growth retardation, and damage to organs (especially the brain and eyes). Treatment with pyrimethamine and sulfadiazine improves manifestations of active infection in the fetus, congenital infection in infants, and recurrent disease when manifested later in life in those congenitally infected. Key components of the prevention and treatment of congenital toxoplasmosis include prompt, correct diagnosis and treatment with effective anti–T. gondii medications. Several countries have gestational screening programs to detect newly acquired T. gondii infections. In the future, development of new medications, including those for chronic infection, and vaccines for prevention will be important.

scholarly journals A Novel Calcium-Dependent Protein Kinase 1 Inhibitor Potently Prevents Toxoplasma gondii Transmission to Foetuses in Mouse

Molecules ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (14) ◽  
pp. 4203
Author(s):  
Héloïse Débare ◽  
Nathalie Moiré ◽  
Firmin Baron ◽  
Louis Lantier ◽  
Bruno Héraut ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Protein Kinase ◽  
Toxoplasma Gondii ◽  
Intraperitoneal Administration ◽  
Congenital Toxoplasmosis ◽  
Parasite Burden ◽  
Oral Route ◽  
Dependent Protein Kinase ◽  
Calcium Dependent ◽  
Dependent Protein ◽  
Calcium Dependent Protein Kinase

Treatments currently used to prevent congenital toxoplasmosis are non-specific of Toxoplasma gondii and have grievous side effects. To develop a more specific and less toxic drug, we have designed SP230, an imidazo[1,2-b]pyridazine salt targeting the Toxoplasma gondii calcium-dependent protein kinase 1 (TgCDPK1) and active against acute toxoplasmosis in mice. Efficiency of SP230 to inhibit foetal transmission of the parasite was evaluated in a mouse model of congenital toxoplasmosis. Swiss mice were infected at mid-pregnancy with tachyzoites or cysts of the ME49 strain of T. gondii by intraperitoneal and oral route, respectively, and treated with SP230 at 50 mg/kg for 5 days by the same routes. Parasite burden in organs of dams and in foetuses was measured by quantitative PCR. Intraperitoneal administration of SP230 drastically reduced the number of parasites (more than 97% of reduction) in the brain and lungs of dams, and led to a reduction of 66% of parasite burden in foetuses. Oral administration of SP230 was particularly efficient with 97% of reduction of parasite burdens in foetuses. SP230 did not impact number and weight of offspring in our conditions. This inhibitor of TgCDPK1 is a promising candidate for the development of alternative therapeutics to treat infected pregnant women.

scholarly journals PCR-based genotyping assays to detect germline APC variant associated with hereditary gastrointestinal polyposis in Jack Russell terriers

2021 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kyoko Yoshizaki ◽  
Akihiro Hirata ◽  
Hiroyuki Matsushita ◽  
Naohito Nishii ◽  
Mifumi Kawabe ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mutant Allele ◽  
False Negative ◽  
Disease Onset ◽  
Pcr Amplification ◽  
Buccal Swab ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Gastrointestinal Polyposis ◽  
Pcr Rflp ◽  
Formalin Fixed Paraffin Embedded ◽  
Rflp Assay

Abstract Background The prevalence of gastrointestinal (GI) neoplastic polyps in Jack Russell terriers (JRTs) has increased in Japan since the late 2000s. Recently, we demonstrated that JRTs with GI polyps harbor identical germline variant in the APC gene (c.[462_463delinsTT]) in the heterozygous state. Thus, this disease is an autosomal dominant hereditary disorder. Although the affected JRTs have distinct features, such as the development of multiple GI polyps and an early age of disease onset, genetic testing is indispensable for a definitive diagnosis. Here, polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based assays capable of detecting germline APC variant were designed and validated using synthetic wild-type and mutant DNAs and genomic DNAs from carrier and non-carrier dogs. Result First, the PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) assay was developed by taking advantage of the germline APC variant creating a new restriction site for MseI. In the PCR-RFLP assay, the 156-bp region containing the variant site was amplified by PCR and subsequently digested with MseI, yielding diagnostic 51 and 58 bp fragments from the mutant allele and allowing determination of the APC genotypes. It was possible to determine the genotypes using genomic DNA extracted from the peripheral blood, buccal swab, or formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue. Next, a TaqMan duplex real-time PCR assay was developed, where a 78-bp region flanking the variant was amplified in the presence of wild-type allele- and mutant allele-specific fluorescent probes. Using blood-derived DNA, altogether 40 cycles of PCR amplification determined the APC genotypes of all examined samples by measuring the fluorescence intensities. Importantly, false-positive and false-negative errors were never detected in both assays. Conclusion In this study, we developed highly reliable genetic tests for hereditary GI polyposis in JRTs, providing accurate assessment of the presence of the causative germline APC variant. The genotyping assays could contribute to the diagnosis and prevention of hereditary GI polyposis in dogs.

scholarly journals TRAF6-Dependent Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Activation Differentially Regulates the Production of Interleukin-12 by Macrophages in Response to Toxoplasma gondii

2004 ◽  
Vol 72 (10) ◽  
pp. 5662-5667 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicola J. Mason ◽  
Jim Fiore ◽  
Takashi Kobayashi ◽  
Katherine S. Masek ◽  
Yongwon Choi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Protein Kinase ◽  
Toxoplasma Gondii ◽  
Signaling Pathways ◽  
Intracellular Signaling ◽  
Mitogen Activated Protein Kinase ◽  
Interleukin 12 ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Kinase Activation ◽  
Extracellular Signal ◽  
Mitogen Activated Protein

ABSTRACT The production of interleukin-12 (IL-12) is critical to the development of innate and adaptive immune responses required for the control of intracellular pathogens. Many microbial products signal through Toll-like receptors (TLR) and activate NF-κB family members that are required for the production of IL-12. Recent studies suggest that components of the TLR pathway are required for the production of IL-12 in response to the parasite Toxoplasma gondii; however, the production of IL-12 in response to this parasite is independent of NF-κB activation. The adaptor molecule TRAF6 is involved in TLR signaling pathways and associates with serine/threonine kinases involved in the activation of both NF-κB and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK). To elucidate the intracellular signaling pathways involved in the production of IL-12 in response to soluble toxoplasma antigen (STAg), wild-type and TRAF6−/− mice were inoculated with STAg, and the production of IL-12(p40) was determined. TRAF6−/− mice failed to produce IL-12(p40) in response to STAg, and TRAF6−/− macrophages stimulated with STAg also failed to produce IL-12(p40). Studies using Western blot analysis of wild-type and TRAF6−/− macrophages revealed that stimulation with STAg resulted in the rapid TRAF6-dependent phosphorylation of p38 and extracellular signal-related kinase, which differentially regulated the production of IL-12(p40). The studies presented here demonstrate for the first time that the production of IL-12(p40) in response to toxoplasma is dependent upon TRAF6 and p38 MAPK.

scholarly journals Inflammasome-mediated regulation of hepatic stellate cells

2009 ◽  
Vol 296 (6) ◽  
pp. G1248-G1257 ◽  
Author(s):  
Azuma Watanabe ◽  
Muhammad Adnan Sohail ◽  
Dawidson Assis Gomes ◽  
Ardeshir Hashmi ◽  
Jun Nagata ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Liver Fibrosis ◽  
Immune Cells ◽  
Hepatic Stellate Cells ◽  
Smooth Muscle Actin ◽  
Stellate Cells ◽  
Inflammasome Activation ◽  
Cellular Injury ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Primary Mouse ◽  
Msu Crystals

The inflammasome is a cytoplasmic multiprotein complex that has recently been identified in immune cells as an important sensor of signals released by cellular injury and death. Analogous to immune cells, hepatic stellate cells (HSC) also respond to cellular injury and death. Our aim was to establish whether inflammasome components were present in HSC and could regulate HSC functionality. Monosodium urate (MSU) crystals (100 μg/ml) were used to experimentally induce inflammasome activation in LX-2 and primary mouse HSC. Twenty-four hours later primary mouse HSC were stained with α-smooth muscle actin and visualized by confocal microscopy, and TGF-β and collagen1 mRNA expression was quantified. LX-2 cells were further cultured with or without MSU crystals for 24 h in a transwell chemotaxis assay with PDGF as the chemoattractant. We also examined inhibition of calcium (Ca2+) signaling in LX-2 cells treated with or without MSU crystals using caged inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate (IP3). Finally, we confirmed an important role of the inflammasome in experimental liver fibrosis by the injection of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) or thioacetamide (TAA) in wild-type mice and mice lacking components of the inflammasome. Components of the inflammasome are expressed in LX-2 cells and primary HSC. MSU crystals induced upregulation of TGF-β and collagen1 mRNA and actin reorganization in HSCs from wild-type mice but not mice lacking inflammasome components. MSU crystals inhibited the release of Ca2+ via IP3 in LX-2 cells and also inhibited PDGF-induced chemotaxis. Mice lacking the inflammasome-sensing and adaptor molecules, NLRP3 and apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing CARD, had reduced CCl4 and TAA-induced liver fibrosis. We concluded that inflammasome components are present in HSC, can regulate a variety of HSC functions, and are required for the development of liver fibrosis.

Abstract 1805: Chromosome 9p21.3 Genetic Variation is Associated with Angiographic CAD but not with CAD Disease Burden

Circulation ◽  
2008 ◽  
Vol 118 (suppl_18) ◽  
Author(s):  
Chrissa P Mower ◽  
Jeffrey L Anderson ◽  
Benjamin D Horne ◽  
James J Park ◽  
Jesse L Coleman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Variation ◽  
Disease Burden ◽  
Disease Onset ◽  
Cardiac Risk ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
High Risk Disease ◽  
Chi Square Test ◽  
Male Frequency ◽  
Cad Risk

Genetic variation at the 9p21.3 locus rs2383206 is associated with coronary heart disease (CHD) phenotypes. In a comparison of patients with and without angiographically confirmed CHD, the G allele of rs2383206 was present more frequently in diseased vs controls (normal angiograms). However, the pathophysiologic impact, whether it affects initiation, severity, or triggers an event, of the 9p21.3 locus remains unknown. We sought to determine whether 9p21.3 variation affects disease severity (promotion) by assessing its association with CAD burden. Methods: Genotyping for rs2383206 using 5′exonuclease chemistry (Taqman) was performed on 1759 subjects. Subjects were grouped as homozygous wild-type (low risk), heterozygous (intermediate risk) or homozygous risk-associated genotype (high risk). Disease burden was assessed by 1, 2, or 3 vessels; ≥70% stenosis and the validated Duke CAD Index (DCI). Comparison used a chi-square test (single vs multivessel disease) and analysis of variance (ANOVA) for the DCI comparison. Results: Average age 51.1± 7.4 years, 64.0% male. Frequency of the CAD risk allele did not differ among groups with 1, 2, or 3 vessel disease. There was no difference among groups with respect to the DCI. After adjustment for standard cardiac risk factors, the rs2383206 genotype was associated with CAD compared to controls (OR (CI)=1.73(1.26–1.85), p=0.001). Conclusion: The rs2383206 polymorphism was not associated with CAD disease burden. Findings suggest the rs2383206 polymorphism, although associated with disease onset is not likely involved in its progression. These findings will aid in refining the application of 9p21.3 for risk assessment and developing novel preventive and therapeutic strategies.

Targeted deletion of murine coagulation factor XII gene-a model for contact phase activation in vivo

2004 ◽  
Vol 92 (09) ◽  
pp. 503-508 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hans-Ulrich Pauer ◽  
Thomas Renné ◽  
Bernhard Hemmerlein ◽  
Tobias Legler ◽  
Saskia Fritzlar ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fetal Loss ◽  
Coagulation Factor ◽  
Coagulation Factors ◽  
Mendelian Inheritance ◽  
Biological Role ◽  
Factor Xii ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Contact Phase ◽  
Health And Disease

SummaryTo analyze the biological role of factor XII (FXII, Hageman Factor) in vivo, we generated mice deficient for FXII using a gene targeting approach on two distinct genetic backgrounds, i.e. mixed C57Bl/6J X 129X1/SvJ and inbred 129X1/SvJ. Homozygous FXII knockout (FXII-/-) mice showed no FXII plasma activity and had a markedly prolonged activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT). In contrast, coagulation factors XI, VIII, IX, X,VII,V, II and fibrinogen did not differ between FXII-/- mice and their wild-type littermates. Heterozygous matings segregated according to the Mendelian inheritance indicating that FXII deficiency does not increase fetal loss. Furthermore, matings of FXII-/- males and FXII-/females resulted in normal litter sizes demonstrating that total FXII deficiency in FXII-/females does not affect pregnancy outcome. Also, gross and histological anatomy of FXII-/mice was indistinguishable from that of their wild-type littermates on both genetic backgrounds. Thus it appears that deficiency of murine FXII does not cause thrombophilia or impaired fibrinolysis in vivo. These results indicate that FXII deficiency does not affect hemostasis in vivo and we anticipate that the FXII-/mice will be helpful to elucidate the biological role(s) of FXII in health and disease.

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