scholarly journals Myrtus communis Essential Oil; Anti-Parasitic Effects and Induction of the Innate Immune System in Mice with Toxoplasma gondii Infection

Molecules ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (4) ◽  
pp. 819
Author(s):  
Raafat M. Shaapan ◽  
Hiba Riyadh Al-Abodi ◽  
Abdullah D. Alanazi ◽  
Sobhy Abdel-Shafy ◽  
Marzieh Rashidipour ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Toxoplasma Gondii ◽  
Essential Oil ◽  
Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Mrna Levels ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Myrtus Communis ◽  
Ifn Γ ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Toxoplasma Gondii Infection

Background: Myrtus communis (M. communis) is a wild aromatic plant used for traditional herbal medicine that can be demonstrated in insecticidal, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial activity of its essential oils (MCEO). Aim: The present study aimed to evaluate the prophylactic effects of M. communis essential oil (MCEO) against chronic toxoplasmosis induced by the Tehran strain of Toxoplasma gondii in mice. Methods: Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) analysis was performed to determine the chemical composition of MCEO. Mice were then orally administrated with MCEO at the doses of 100, 200, and 300 mg/kg/day and also atovaquone 100 mg/kg for 21 days. On the 15th day, the mice were infected with the intraperitoneal inoculation of 20–25 tissue cysts from the Tehran strain of T. gondii. The mean numbers of brain tissue cysts and the mRNA levels of IL-12 and IFN-γ in mice of each tested group were measured. Results: By GC/MS, the major constituents were α-pinene (24.7%), 1,8-cineole (19.6%), and linalool (12.6%), respectively. The results demonstrated that the mean number of T. gondii tissue cysts in experimental groups Ex1 (p < 0.05), Ex2 (p < 0.001) and Ex3 (p < 0.001) was meaningfully reduced in a dose-dependent manner compared with the control group (C2). The mean diameter of tissue cyst was significantly reduced in mice of the experimental groups Ex2 (p < 0.01) and Ex3 (p < 0.001). The results demonstrated that although the mRNA levels of IFN-γ and IL-12 were elevated in all mice of experimental groups, a significant increase (p < 0.001) was observed in tested groups of Ex2 and Ex3 when compared with control groups. Conclusion: The findings of the present study demonstrated the potent prophylactic effects of MCEO especially in the doses 200 and 300 mg/kg in mice infected with T. gondii. Although the exceptional anti-Toxoplasma effects of MCEO and other possessions, such as improved innate immunity and low toxicity are positive topics, there is, however, a need for more proof from investigations in this field.

scholarly journals Cytokines Level (Il8 and Il17) in Pregnant Women with Toxoplasmosis in Khartoum State

2019 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 8-12
Author(s):  
Wahaj M. M ◽  
Satti, A. B ◽  
Abdalla H.S ◽  
Ahmed S. Kabbashi
Keyword(s):  
Toxoplasma Gondii ◽  
Serum Level ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Venous Blood ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Study Population ◽  
Patient’S Information ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Toxoplasma Gondii Infection

Toxoplasmosis is one of the most important zoonotic diseases worldwide caused by Toxoplasma gondii that leads to abortion or hydrocephalus during pregnancy. It’s a comparative cross-sectional one designed to assess immunoglobulins and cytokines in pregnant women. A total of 300 venous blood samples were collected from each pregnant woman and centrifuged to obtain serum. Patient’s information was recorded in a questionnaire previously designed for the purpose of analysis. In addition, 40 uninfected women were enrolled in the study as control group to assess the level of IL8 and IL17 cytokines. The overall seropositive rate of Toxoplasma gondii infection was 22.6%. Within the positive cases of study population, only 16 and 13 showed positive results of IL8, IL17 respectively. The results showed highly significant increase in the mean serum level of IL8 (210.25pg/ml) and IL17 (203.15 pg/ml) when compared to the control group who showed 68.9 pg/ml and 54.8 pg/ml respectively. The serum level of proinflammatory cytokines investigated in this study seems to be increased in patients with serological evidence of Toxoplasma gondii infection. Our study concludes that IL-17 and IL-8 involved in the induction of inflammation and toxoplasmosis disease.

Prophylactic Activity of Biogenic Selenium Nanoparticles Against Chronic Toxoplasma gondii Infection

2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 75-84 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amir Keyhani ◽  
Mojtaba Shakibaie ◽  
Hossein Mahmoudvand ◽  
Sareh Jahanbakhsh ◽  
Amir T. Kareshk ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Toxoplasma Gondii ◽  
Brain Tissue ◽  
Clinical Chemistry ◽  
Selenium Nanoparticles ◽  
Mrna Levels ◽  
Mice Model ◽  
Tnf Α ◽  
Ifn Γ ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Biogenic Selenium Nanoparticles

Background: Studies showed that biogenic selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) have a number of pharmacological properties, such as antimicrobial ones. Objective: The present investigation assesses the efficacy of biogenic selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) as a new patent against latent toxoplasmosis in a mice model. Methods: Male BALB/c mice were orally treated with SeNPs at the doses of 2.5, 5, 10 mg/kg once a day for 14 days. On the 15th day, the mice were infected with the intraperitoneal inoculation of 20-25 tissue cysts from the Tehran strain of Toxoplasma gondii. The mean numbers of brain tissue cysts and the mRNA levels of TNF-α, IL-12, IL-10, IFN-γ, and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in mice of each tested group were measured. Moreover, serum clinical chemistry factors in treated mice were examined to determine the safety of SeNPs. Results: The mean number of the brain tissue cysts was significantly (P<0.001) decreased in mice treated with SeNPs at doses 2.5 (n=37), 5 (n=11), and 10 mg/kg (n=3) based on a dose dependent manner compared with the control group (n=587). The mRNA levels of IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-12, and iNO were significantly increased in mice treated with SeNPs at the doses 10 mg/kg compared with control subgroups (p<0.05). No significant variation (p>0.05) was observed in the clinical chemistry parameters among the mice in the control subgroups compared with groups treated with SeNPs. Conclusion: The results of the present study showed a new patent in the treatment of toxoplasmosis; so that taking the biogenic selenium nanoparticles in concentrations of 2.5-10 mg/kg for 2 weeks was able to prevent severe symptoms of the toxoplasmosis in a mice model. This indicated the prophylactic effects of SeNPs with no considerable toxicity against latent toxoplasmosis. However, more studies are required to elucidate the correct anti-Toxoplasma mechanisms of SeNPs.

scholarly journals Neuronal impairment following chronic Toxoplasma gondii infection is aggravated by intestinal nematode challenge in an IFN-γ-dependent manner

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Timothy French ◽  
Henning Peter Düsedau ◽  
Johannes Steffen ◽  
Aindrila Biswas ◽  
Norus Ahmed ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Toxoplasma Gondii ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Intestinal Nematode ◽  
Ifn Γ ◽  
Toxoplasma Gondii Infection

scholarly journals Selective Upregulation of Transcripts for Six Molecules Related to T Cell Costimulation and Phagocyte Recruitment and Activation among 734 Immunity-Related Genes in the Brain during Perforin-Dependent, CD8+ T Cell-Mediated Elimination of Toxoplasma gondii Cysts

mSystems ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jenny Lutshumba ◽  
Eri Ochiai ◽  
Qila Sa ◽  
Namrata Anand ◽  
Yasuhiro Suzuki
Keyword(s):  
T Cells ◽  
T Cell ◽  
Toxoplasma Gondii ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Cytotoxic T Cells ◽  
Scid Mice ◽  
Mrna Levels ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Immune Related Genes

ABSTRACT We recently found that an invasion of CD8+ cytotoxic T cells into tissue cysts of Toxoplasma gondii initiates an elimination of the cysts in association with an accumulation of microglia and macrophages. In the present study, we compared mRNA levels for 734 immune-related genes in the brains of infected SCID mice that received perforin-sufficient or -deficient CD8+ immune T cells at 3 weeks after infection. At 7 days after the T cell transfer, mRNA levels for only six genes were identified to be greater in the recipients of the perforin-sufficient T cells than in the recipients of the perforin-deficient T cells. These six molecules included two T cell costimulatory molecules, inducible T cell costimulator receptor (ICOS) and its ligand (ICOSL); two chemokine receptors, C-X-C motif chemokine receptor 3 (CXCR3) and CXCR6; and two molecules related to an activation of microglia and macrophages, interleukin 18 receptor 1 (IL-18R1) and chitinase-like 3 (Chil3). Consistently, a marked reduction of cyst numbers and upregulation of ICOS, CXCR3, CXCR6, IL-18R1, and Chil3 mRNA levels were also detected when the perforin-sufficient CD8+ immune T cells were transferred to infected SCID mice at 6 weeks after infection, indicating that the CD8+ T cell-mediated protective immunity is capable of eliminating mature T. gondii cysts. These results together suggest that ICOS-ICOSL interactions are crucial for activating CD8+ cytotoxic immune T cells to initiate the destruction of T. gondii cysts and that CXCR3, CXCR6, and IL-18R are involved in recruitment and activation of microglia and macrophages to the T cell-attacked cysts for their elimination. IMPORTANCE T. gondii establishes a chronic infection by forming tissue cysts, which can grow into sizes greater than 50 μm in diameter as a consequence of containing hundreds to thousands of organisms surrounded by the cyst wall within infected cells. Our recent studies using murine models uncovered that CD8+ cytotoxic T cells penetrate into the cysts in a perforin-dependent manner and induce their elimination, which is accompanied with an accumulation of phagocytic cells to the T cell-attacked target. This is the first evidence of the ability of the T cells to invade into a large target for its elimination. However, the mechanisms involved in anticyst immunity remain unclear. Immune profiling analyses of 734 immune-related genes in the present study provided a valuable foundation to initiate elucidating detailed molecular mechanisms of the novel effector function of the immune system operated by perforin-mediated invasion of CD8+ T cells into large targets for their elimination.

scholarly journals Innate, adaptive, and cell-autonomous immunity against Toxoplasma gondii infection

2019 ◽  
Vol 51 (12) ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Miwa Sasai ◽  
Masahiro Yamamoto
Keyword(s):  
Immune Response ◽  
Toxoplasma Gondii ◽  
Immune Responses ◽  
Parasitophorous Vacuole ◽  
Interferon Γ ◽  
Protective Role ◽  
Ifn Γ ◽  
Acquired Immune Responses ◽  
Toxoplasma Gondii Infection ◽  
Antimicrobial Immunity

AbstractHosts have been fighting pathogens throughout the evolution of all infectious diseases. Toxoplasma gondii is one of the most common infectious agents in humans but causes only opportunistic infection in healthy individuals. Similar to antimicrobial immunity against other organisms, the immune response against T. gondii activates innate immunity and in turn induces acquired immune responses. After activation of acquired immunity, host immune cells robustly produce the proinflammatory cytokine interferon-γ (IFN-γ), which activates a set of IFN-γ-inducible proteins, including GTPases. IFN-inducible GTPases are essential for cell-autonomous immunity and are specialized for effective clearance and growth inhibition of T. gondii by accumulating in parasitophorous vacuole membranes. Recent studies suggest that the cell-autonomous immune response plays a protective role in host defense against not only T. gondii but also various intracellular bacteria. Moreover, the negative regulatory mechanisms of such strong immune responses are also important for host survival after infection. In this review, we will discuss in detail recent advances in the understanding of host defenses against T. gondii and the roles played by cell-autonomous immune responses.

Compare the effect of aromatherapy using lavender and Damask rose essential oils on the level of anxiety and severity of pain following C-section: A double-blinded randomized clinical trial

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ali Abbasijahromi ◽  
Hamed Hojati ◽  
Saeid Nikooei ◽  
Hossein Kargar Jahromi ◽  
Hamid Reza Dowlatkhah ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Trial ◽  
Essential Oil ◽  
Essential Oils ◽  
Randomized Clinical Trial ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Gate Control Theory ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Damask Rose

AbstractBackgroundAnxiety is the most common psychological reaction in women during labor. Similar to numerous other surgeries, postoperative pain is also reported following cesarean section (C-section). According to the (Gate) Control Theory, there is a relationship between pain and psychological problems such as anxiety. Accordingly, the present study aimed to compare the effect of aromatherapy using lavender and Damask rose essential oils on the level of anxiety and severity of pain following C-section.MethodsThis triple-group randomized clinical trial was performed on 90 mothers who visited Motahari Hospital of Jahrom, Iran, for C-section in 2017. The incidence and severity of pain and anxiety were measured and recorded for all three groups prior to intervention. The intervention groups underwent aromatherapy with lavender and Damask rose essential oils. Patients were asked to inhale cotton balls, separately stained with three drops of each essential oil at a distance of 10 cm for 30 mins. The severity of pain and anxiety was measured using the visual analogue scale (VAS) and the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) 5 min after the specified process, respectively. The control group underwent aromatherapy in a similar fashion with normal saline. Finally, data were analyzed using descriptive statistical indices and ANOVA and Kruskal–Wallis tests in SPSS 21.ResultsThere was no significant difference between the three groups in the mean severity of pain and anxiety before the intervention (p>0.05). The mean severity of pain and overt anxiety in the lavender and Damask rose aromatherapy groups was significantly different than the control group after the intervention (p<0.001). In addition, no significant difference was observed between the overt and overall anxiety levels of the two intervention groups after the intervention (p>0.05).ConclusionsThe findings suggested that inhalation aromatherapy can reduce the severity of overt anxiety and pain after C-section, with Damask rose essential oil showing a larger effect than lavender.

Endoplasmic reticulum stress induced Lox-1+ CD15+ polymorphonuclear myeloid-derived suppressor cells in hepatocellular carcinoma and associated with poor prognsis.

2018 ◽  
Vol 36 (5_suppl) ◽  
pp. 38-38
Author(s):  
Xing Li ◽  
Xiang-yuan Wu ◽  
Nan Jiang ◽  
Yan-Fang Xing ◽  
Jie Chen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hepatocellular Carcinoma ◽  
Cell Proliferation ◽  
T Cell ◽  
Binding Protein ◽  
Suppressor Cells ◽  
T Cell Proliferation ◽  
Mrna Levels ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Myeloid Derived Suppressor Cells ◽  
Ifn Γ

38 Background: A recent study indicated that Lectin-type oxidized LDL receptor-1 (LOX-1) was a distinct surface marker for human polymorphonuclears myeloid-derived suppressor cells (PMN-MDSC). The present study was aimed to investigate the existence LOX-1 PMN-MDSC in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients, the latent mechanism and their association with clinical parameters. Methods: 30 HCC patients and 30 health control were included. LOX-1+CD15+ PMN-MDSCs were investigated. Results: LOX-1+CD15+ PMN-MDSC were significantly elevated in both WB and PBMC of HCC patients compared with healthy control. LOX-1+CD15+ PMN-MDSC were more abundant in PBMC than WB. Addition of PMN-MDSCs resulted in significantly reduced proliferation and IFN-γ production of T cells with a dosage dependent manner. LOX-1-CD15+ PMNs present no suppressive function. The suppression on T cell proliferation and IFN-γ production was reversed by ROS inhibitor and Arginase inhibitor. ROS level of LOX-1+CD15+ PMN by DCFDA were higher in LOX-1+CD15+ PMN-MDSCs than LOX-1-CD15+ PMNs, as well as the mRNA levels of the NADPH oxidase NOX2. Meanwhile, the expression of arginase I and activity of arginase were also significantly raised in LOX-1+CD15+ PMN-MDSCs. LOX-1+CD15+ PMN-MDSCs displayed significantly higher expression of spliced X-box–binding protein 1 (sXBP1), ATF3 and CCAAT/enhancer binding protein (CHOP) were higher. For HCC patients, LOX-1+CD15+ PMN-MDSCs in WB were positively related to Cancer of the Liver Italian Program (CLIP) score. Conclusions: LOX-1+CD15+ PMN-MDSC were elevated in HCC patients and suppressed T cell proliferation through ROS/Arg I pathway with ER stress as a potential feature. LOX-1+CD15+ PMN-MDSC presented positive association with the prognosis of HCC patients.

Aqueous extracts ofCimicifuga racemosaand phenolcarboxylic constituents inhibit production of proinflammatory cytokines in LPS-stimulated human whole blood

2009 ◽  
Vol 87 (11) ◽  
pp. 963-972 ◽  
Author(s):  
Diethart Schmid ◽  
Florian Woehs ◽  
Martin Svoboda ◽  
Theresia Thalhammer ◽  
Peter Chiba ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Proinflammatory Cytokines ◽  
Whole Blood ◽  
Black Cohosh ◽  
Active Principle ◽  
Mrna Levels ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Antiinflammatory Action ◽  
Tnf Α ◽  
Isoferulic Acid ◽  
Ifn Γ

Cimicifuga racemosa (black cohosh) is commonly used in traditional medicines as treatment for menopausal symptoms and as an antiinflammatory remedy. To clarify the mechanism of action and active principle for the antiinflammatory action, the effects of aqueous C. racemosa root extracts (CRE) and its major constituents on the release of the proinflammatory cytokines IL-6, TNF-α, IFN-γ, and the chemokine IL-8 were investigated in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated whole blood of healthy volunteers. CRE (3 µg/µL and 6 µg/µL) reduced LPS-induced release of IL-6 and TNF-α in a concentration- and time-dependent manner and almost completely blocked release of IFN-γ into the plasma supernatant. Except for IFN-γ, these effects were attenuated at longer incubation periods. IL-8 secretion was stimulated by CRE. As shown by quantitative real-time RT-PCR, effects on cytokines were based on preceding changes in mRNA levels except for IL-8. According to their content in CRE, the phenolcarboxylic compounds caffeic acid, ferulic acid, and isoferulic acid, as well as the triterpene glycosides 23-epi-26-deoxyactein and cimigenol-3-O-xyloside, were tested at representative concentrations. Among these, isoferulic acid was the prominent active principle in CRE, responsible for the observed inhibition of IL-6, TNF-α, and IFN-γ, but not for IL-8 stimulation. The effect of this compound may explain the antiinflammatory activities of CRE and its beneficial actions in rheumatism and other inflammatory diseases.

scholarly journals The effect of Toxoplasma gondii infection in women on some biochemical and hormonal parameters in Duhok province, Iraq

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (10) ◽  
pp. 3508
Author(s):  
Farhad B. Mikaeel
Keyword(s):  
Toxoplasma Gondii ◽  
Horizontal Transmission ◽  
Immunoglobulin M ◽  
Control Group ◽  
P Value ◽  
Anaplastic Lymphoma ◽  
Coefficient Corrélation ◽  
Group A ◽  
Positive Correlations ◽  
Toxoplasma Gondii Infection

Background: Toxoplasma gondii is protozoal parasite that cause Toxoplasmosis, which is an important protozoal disease that infect more around billion people globally. Toxoplasmosis transmitted by two way in human; the horizontal transmission by accidental and ingestion of oocysts of Toxoplasma gondii through contaminated water or food, and the second rout is vertical transmission by placenta from mother to the baby. The aim of the current study was to detect the effect of toxoplasmosis on kidney function, liver function enzymes and gonadotropin hormones like follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and Luteinizing hormone (LH).Methods: A total of 101 (71 samples and 30 controls) of blood samples were collected from women, which were tested for seropositivity against anti-toxoplasma antibodies like immunoglobulin G (IgG), immunoglobulin M (IgM) by ELISA. After that the biochemical test (alanine aminotransferase-ALT, Aspartate transaminase-AST, Alkaline phosphatase-ALP, Urea and Creatinine) and hormonal assay (LH and FSH) and achieved for all samples.Results: Results revealed a slight increase in the level of both urea and creatinine in infected women compared with the control group. A Pearson’s Coefficient Correlation test was used to examine the positive correlations between ALT and Anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK), LH and FSH at p value (<0.001 for both). Preliminary studies indicate that the level of LH and FSH in infected women is lower compared to control healthy group. Finally, current study indicated that toxoplasmosis is effect on the levels of studied biochemical and hormonal parameters.Conclusions: Current study shows a significant increase in the levels of biochemical and hormonal parameters in women infected with toxoplasmosis.

scholarly journals An investigation into the association between latent toxoplasmosis and suicide attempts among adolescents

2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (12) ◽  
pp. 1437-1442
Author(s):  
Hüsniye Yucel ◽  
S Burak Acikel ◽  
Saliha Senel
Keyword(s):  
Toxoplasma Gondii ◽  
Suicide Attempt ◽  
Case Control Study ◽  
Suicide Attempts ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Depression And Anxiety ◽  
Igg Antibodies ◽  
Group A ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Control Study

Introduction: There have been several studies investigating the association between Toxoplasma gondii seropositivity and psychiatric disorders although there is insufficient data on causality. Suicide, depression, and anxiety disorders have been especially investigated in this regard. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether there is any causal association between Toxoplasma gondii seropositivity and suicide attempts in adolescents. Methodology: This is a case-control study conducted between January and December 2019. A total of 27 adolescents who had attempted suicide and were aged between 12 and 18 years were included in the study. 26 age and sex ratio matched healthy volunteers were taken as the control group. A possible association between suicide attempts and Toxoplasma gondii serology (IgM and IgG) was investigated.. Results: The suicide attempt group consisted of 17 females and 10 males. The mean age was 15.9 ± 1.4 (13.5-17.9) years. Toxoplasma gondii IgG seropositivity was 3.7% (1/27) in the suicide attempt group and 3.8% (1/26) in the control group. There was no significant association between the suicide attempt group and the control group in terms of the presence of Toxoplasma gondii IgG antibodies (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Our study is one of the few studies examining the association between Toxoplasma gondii seropositivity and suicide attempts in adolescents yet we did not find any significant association. Further evidence is needed to clarify this controversial issue.

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