Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is a worldwide distributed protozoan parasite which has infected a wide range of warm-blooded animals and humans. The most common form of T. gondii infection is ...asymptomatic (latent); nevertheless, latent toxoplasmosis can induce various alterations of sex hormones, especially testosterone, in infected humans and animals. On the other hand, testosterone is involved in behavioral traits and reproductive functions in both sexes. Hence, the purpose of this systematic review is to summarize the available evidence regarding the association between T. gondii infection and testosterone alteration.
In the setting of a systematic review, an electronic search (any date to 10 January 2023) without language restrictions was performed using Science Direct, Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar. The PRISMA guidelines were followed. Following the initial search, a total of 12,306 titles and abstracts were screened initially; 12,281 were excluded due to the lack of eligibility criteria or duplication. Finally, 24 articles met the included criteria. A mean±standard deviation (SD) was calculated to assess the difference of testosterone between T. gondii positive and T. gondii negative humans. The possibility of publication bias was assessed using Egger's regression. P-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
This systematic review identified 24 articles (18 studies in humans and six studies in animals). Most human studies (13 out of 19) reported an increased level of testosterone following latent toxoplasmosis in males, while three studies reported decreased levels and two studies reported an insignificant change. Eleven articles (seven datasets in males and seven datasets in females) were eligible to be included in the data synthesis. Based on the random-effects model, the pooled mean± SD of testosterone in T. gondii positive than T. gondii negative was increased by 0.73 and 0.55 units in males and females, respectively. The Egger's regression did not detect a statistically significant publication bias in males and females (p = value = 0.95 and 0.71), respectively. Three studies in male animals (rats, mice, and spotted hyenas) and two studies in female animals (mice and spotted hyenas) reported a decline in testosterone in infected compared with non-infected animals. While, one study in female rats reported no significant changes of testosterone in infected than non-infected animals. Moreover, two studies in male rats reported an increased level of testosterone in infected than non-infected animals.
This study provides new insights about the association between T. gondii infection and testosterone alteration and identifies relevant data gaps that can inform and encourage further studies. The consequence of increased testosterone levels following T. gondii infection could partly be associated with increased sexual behavior and sexual transmission of the parasite. On the other hand, declining testosterone levels following T. gondii infection may be associated with male reproductive impairments, which were observed in T. gondii-infected humans and animals. Furthermore, these findings suggest the great need for more epidemiological and experimental investigations in depth to understand the relationship between T. gondii infection and testosterone alteration alongside with future consequences of testosterone alteration.
The impact of loss on the plasmonic resonances in metal–insulator–metal slits is analyzed, particularly the significant effect of loss on the reflection phase. The reflection is calculated ...analytically using single mode matching theory with the unconjugated form of the orthogonality relation. This theoretical calculation agrees well with comprehensive simulations, but differs substantially from the conjugated orthogonality result, as was used in past analytical works. This reflection phase has a large impact on the plasmonic resonance wavelengths, which are calculated using a Fabry–Pérot theory and compared with past experiment and finite-difference time-domain simulations.
Human Parvovirus 4 (PARV4) is an emerging virus infecting individuals with other blood-borne diseases. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of PARV4 in confirmed HTLVI/II positive samples ...from blood donors, assessing PARV4 viral load (DNA) and genotyping. Methods: A novel qReal-Time PCR, based on a plasmid construct, was developed to simultaneously detect all three PARV4 genotypes using in-house primers and probes. Positive qPCR samples were subjected to nested PCR amplification and subsequent sequencing. Phylogenetic trees were constructed using the Neighbor-joining (N.J.) method. Results: The coinfection rate of PARV4-DNA in HTLVI/II confirmed infected donors, who were previously deferred, was 14.4 % (13 out of 90), with no observed association with donation status (p = 1.0).
Phylogenetic analysis indicated that PARV4-positive samples closely resembled genotype 2 in Iran.qPCR quantification demonstrated significant PARV4 viral loads in positive samples, ranging between 104 and 106 DNA copies/mL of serum. Conclusion: This study presents the first evaluation of HTLVI/II and PARV4coinfection rates among blood donors. Notably, elevated PARV4-DNA titers were detected in HTLVI/II-positive donors. Given PARV's resistance to standard plasma refinery inactivation methods and the absence of its targeted inactivation, its potential impact remains a concern.
Limb-girdle muscular dystrophies are a group of genetically heterogeneous diseases that are inherited in both autosomal dominant (LGMDD) and autosomal recessive forms (LGMDR), the latter is more ...common especially in populations with high consanguineous marriages like Iran. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the genetic basis of patients who are suspicious of being affected by LGMDR. DNA samples of 60 families suspected of LGMD were extracted from their whole blood. Four short tandem repeat (STR) markers for each candidate genes related to LGMD R1 (calpain3 related)- R6 (δ-sarcoglycan-related) were selected, and all these 24 STRs were applied in two sets of multiplex PCR. After autozygosity mapping, Sanger sequencing and variant analysis were done. Predicting identified variants' effect was performed using in-silico tools, and they were interpreted according to the American College of Medical Genomics and Genetics (ACMG) guideline. MLPA was used for those patients who had large deletions. Fresh muscle specimens were taken from subjects and were evaluated using the conventional panel of histochemical stains.
forty out of sixty families showed homozygote haplotypes in CAPN3, DYSF, SGCA, and SGCB genes. The exons and intron-exon boundaries of the relevant genes were sequenced and totally 38 mutations including CAPN3 (n = 15), DYSF (n = 9), SGCB (n = 11), and SGCA (n = 3) were identified. Five out of them were novel. The most prevalent form of LGMDs in our study was calpainopathy followed by sarcoglycanopathy in which beta-sarcoglycanopathy was the most common form amongst them. Exon 2 deletion in the SGCB gene was the most frequent mutation in this study. We also reported evidence of a possible founder effect in families with mutations in DYSF and SGCB genes. We also detected a large consanguineous family suffered from calpainopathy who showed allelic heterogeneity.
This study can expand our knowledge about the genetic spectrum of LGMD in Iran, and also suggest the probable founder effects in some Iranian subpopulations which confirming it with more sample size can facilitate our genetic diagnosis and genetic counseling.
It is obvious that genetic differences, including mutations and polymorphisms, can play an important role in viral infections. In this case–control study, which included 81 human T‐cell leukemia ...virus type 1 (HTLV‐1) asymptomatic carriers (AC) and 162 healthy controls (HC), the rs4143815 polymorphism of PDL1 gene was investigated. This polymorphism is the site of miR‐570 binding and it can influence immune system responses. The rs4143815 polymorphism was evaluated by allele‐specific polymerase chain reaction (AS‐PCR) and the proviral load levels by quantitative real‐time PCR (q PCR). The results demonstrated that the C allele (P = 0.027) and the CC genotype (P = 0.031) of rs4143815 polymorphism was significantly higher in the AC group than in the HC group, also the proviral load in the AC group with the C allele (P = 0.020) was significantly higher. Thus, the rs4143815 polymorphism can play a vital role in HTLV‐1 infection
Understanding of the natural history of chronic HBV infection is useful for presenting the optimal management of chronic HBV infection. The aim of this study was to evaluate the natural history of ...chronic hepatitis B infection.
In this cross sectional study, 219 untreated chronic hepatitis B patients from Jan. 2010 to Aug. 2012 were included. The subjects were classified in four groups based on serological, biochemical and molecular testing, Serological tests for HBeAg and HBeAb were performed by ELISA method. HBV DNA viral loads were detected by using Light Cycler instrument and ALT/AST levels were assessed by automatic analyzer.
The majority of subjects (94.1%) were HBeAg negative. Of 13 HBeAg positive patients, 5 (2.3%) and 8(3.7%) were considered as immunetolerant and immune reactive, respectively. Of 206 HBeAg negative patients, there were 142 (64.8%) patients in inactive or low replicative phase and 64(29.2%) were in HBeAg negative chronic hepatitis B phase.
The lowest rate of subjects were in immunetolerant phase and most of them had above 20 years old that confirmed successful neonatal vaccines in our country. The highest rate of chronic HBV infected patients were in low replicative phase of chronic hepatitis B infection. Although, it is not recommended to treat these patients, but liver function and also liver biopsy should be considered in patients above 40 years of age.
Abstract
Background
Cystic echinococcosis (CE), is a parasitic zoonosis caused by
Echinococcus granulosus
(
E. granulosus
) larvae in liver and lungs of both humans and animals. Surgical intervention ...is the mainstay for CE treatment, using scolicidal agents that inactivate live protoscolices. This study evaluated the scolicidal effects of
Silybum marianum
ethanolic extract and its combination with albendazole in vitro for the first time. Moreover, in a literature review, we investigated the effects of a wide range of Iranian medicinal plants on protoscolices of
E. granulosus
.
Methods
S. marianum
ethanolic extract was prepared and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis was used to establish the proportions of its component compounds in the extract. Cytotoxicity was evaluated in mouse macrophage cells (J774A.1 cell line) using MTT method. Next, the scolicidal activity of the extract alone and combined with albendazole was tested as triplicate at various concentrations incubated for 5, 10, 20, 30, and 60 min. Finally, protoscolex viability was determined using 0.1% eosin as a vital stain. PCR–RFLP and DNA sequencing techniques were used to characterize the genotype of
E. granulosus
.
Results
HPLC analysis showed that
S. marianum
ethanolic extract contained mostly silydianin (14.41%), isosilybin A (10.50%), and silychristin (10.46%). The greatest scolicidal effects were obtained with the combination of
S. marianum
with albendazole (79%),
S. marianum
ethanolic extract alone (77%) and albendazole (69%), at a concentration of 500 μg/ml for 60 min, respectively (
P
< 0.05). Molecular analysis showed that all the cysts used were G1 genotype.
Conclusion
The data suggest that
S. marianum
ethanolic extract is a potential scolicide in vitro; however, further investigations are required to determine its efficacy in vivo.
Background and Objectives: HSV-1 is known as a very contagious virus and the main cause of cold sores or fever blisters. Herein, the aqueous extract of Areca catechu L. was evaluated for its ...anti-HSV-1 activity, compared to the standard control (acyclovir). Also, the effect of extract on the expression of UL46 and US6 genes that accumulate late in viral infection, was studied. Materials and Methods: The aqueous extract was obtained by the maceration of powdered plant in boiling water. Its anti- viral activity was evaluated on Vero cells infected with HSV-1 at different times: 2 h pre-infection, simultaneous infection, and 4 h post-infection, using MTT assay. The effect of extract on the expression of genes was investigated with quantitative real-time PCR. Results: The aqueous extract of A. catechu induced the inhibition of infection with the IC value of 110.52 ± 1.36 μg/ml. Also, it reduced the expression of UL46 when it was added 2 h pre-infection at 100 μg/ml. Moreover, reduction of expression of US6 was observed at the same concentration when the extract was used simultaneously with the occurrence of infection and 4 h post-infection. Conclusion: A. catechu can be considered an essential element of natural-based anti-HSV-1 agents.
Hepatitis B virus is one of the most important blood born viruses. Although the sensitivity of screening tests has been considerably increased, transmission may still occur due to window period or ...occult hepatitis B infections (OBIs). This study was aimed at evaluating the prevalence of the anti-HBc and identifying the HBV DNA in HBsAg negative blood donors.
The Blood samples from 2031 HBsAg-negative blood donors were divided into three aliquots and tested for anti-HBc, anti-HBs and HBV DNA. Serologic screening including anti-HBc and anti-HBs was performed. As a confirmatory test, all positive results for anti-HBc were retested with another kit. Two positive results were considered for anti-HBc positivity. All HBsAg negative selected donations were tested by PCR assay on pooled specimens (five samples per pool), plasma samples found to be HBsAg negative but anti-HBc positive were selected for a single-unit specimen Real-Time assay.
The study population had a mean age of 33.25 ± 10.09 years were mainly composed of males (94.8 %). The seroprevalance rate was 4.9 % for Anti-HBc and 31.9 % for HBsAb. The majority (58.6 %) of Anti-HBc positive cases were regular blood donors with 42-49 years being the largest age group (41.4 %). Neither individual NAT nor pooled NAT test detected any HBV DNA.
However, Screening of anti-HBc Ab is proposed as a method to identify previous contact with HBV, but there is controversy in literature data regarding the cost-benefit of exclusion of positive anti-HBc Ab in blood donors. Our data does not suggest HBc-Ab test as a screening tool in the study setting.
Treatment for toxoplasmosis is not completely successful because of their unwanted side effects, and new treatments are needed. Imiquimod has ability to moderate immune response and used to treat a ...wide variety of infections and tumors. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of imiquimod on the tachyzoites of
and infected macrophages
and in BALB/c mice. The viability of
was assessed in the presence of various concentrations of imiquimod by direct counting after 6 and 24 h. The MTT assay was used to identify the viability of uninfected macrophages. The apoptotic effects were determined with flow cytometry on the tachyzoites and infected macrophages. For evaluation of parasite load in pre-treatment or post-treatment of macrophages Quantitative real time PCR (qPCR) was performed. For
experiments, BALB/c mice received imiquimod before and after challenge with parasites. The mortality rate of mice, parasite numbers in spleen, and the INF-γ and IL-4 cytokine levels in spleen lymphocytes were evaluated. Imiquimod demonstrated anti-
effects by reducing the number of tachyzoites. The results of flow cytometry for drug-treated tachyzoites showed that apoptosis did not rise significantly relative to the control group (
< 0.05). Moreover, apoptosis was enhanced in infected macrophages as the concentration of imiquimod was reduced. The parasitic burden in imiquimod pretreated macrophages was significantly lower than those treated after infection (
< 0.01). A marked reduction was observed in survival rate, parasite load and INF-γ level in BALB/c mice that received imiquimod before parasitic challenge relative to those received drug after parasitic challenge (
< 0.01). Overall, imiquimod in the pretreated group had greater anti-
effects than imiquimod in posttreated group
and
. imiquimod may be considered as a candidate for use against Toxoplasmosis both therapeutically and prophylactically.
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